For objects in orbit of Earth, does the force of gravity vary depending on where the object is in its orbit? Would astronauts be slightly taller at one point of an orbit than at another point (assuming they’re ‘standing’ with feet towards Earth)?

Question

For objects in orbit of Earth, does the force of gravity vary depending on where the object is in its orbit? Would astronauts be slightly taller at one point of an orbit than at another point (assuming they’re ‘standing’ with feet towards Earth)?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Theoretically yes. With something much heavier than the earth you can calculate the height difference. There’s even a thing called spaghettification which is exactly what it sounds like. Being pulled long like a spaghetti by really strong gravity.

In the earths orbit the difference in height is not that great because the acceleration is proportional to 1/distance squared. So it gets really small really quickly if you start at 10.