> It's very interesting that the definition of a metre the length of a > 2-second pendulum would be so close to the definition of a metre as 10 > millionth of the meridian along a quadrant. So I asked myself whether this > coincidence is unique to the earth or if it would happen in other planets. > > It turns out that what is unique about the earth is its density. Any > planet, whether big or small, will have the same close relationship between > the two definitions of metre, as long as it has the same density as the > Earth. In a big planet, the metre would be longer, but the two definitions > of metre would still agree if the planet's density is right. > > I would provide a full formal derivation, but that might be off-topic :-) > > Daniel. >
Unsure whether I would follow a formal proof, but it is good to see you back on the OOo lists... /paul -- For those that love Pandora, but don't live in the USA : http://globalpandora.com/
