The Sun and Moon

[Fluttershutter 2,917]

So I've been wondering what Celestia and Luna actually do to the sun and moon.

This show is actually usually pretty good on the science. We know that the ponies live on a normal looking round planet. And we know a sun doesn't actually "rise" so does celestia spin the planet? (I know "planet spinner" doesn't sound as impressive as "sun goddess".)

They also have an awful lot of control over the whole planet for being the rulers of just one country. You'd think the rest of the planet would be scared to have that much power resting with two ponies. When Nightmare Moon was causing eternal night in Equestria she was also baking the other side of the planet.

[NavelColt 22,883]

I'm not actually sure, myself. I've seen others try and come up with theories for it, but I've yet to see, or personally come up with something that satisfies my curiosity.

[Dark Horn 430]

That's an interesting thing, that I've never really though about. But you'd think Celestia would have to be pretty blasted powerful to spin an entire planet with thousands/millions of ponies on it.

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

Something that's been bugging me is what it takes to make the sun and moon traverse the sky until it's time for them to set. Luna and Celestia don't appear to be making a conscious effort to do that when we've seen them going about their business. It happens automatically, unlike when they raise them. My guess is they somehow give the sun and moon a good shove to get things going and momentum does the rest. Before their rise to power, it took the collective effort of the unicorn race to make it happen and they certainly couldn't stand there 24/7 to guide things. So I guess that means their magical abilities exceed the combined power of all the unicorns. That bothers me and is a discussion all its own, I suppose.

 

But that still raises a few other questions about the nature of gravity there. 

[RrVPfX9cPtw59FpC 1,304]

Well, my guess would be that in Equestria, the sun does rise, literally. Same for the moon. The first episode came out before bronies existed, so I don't think little girls would have a problem with the science of it.

[Dark Horn 430]

I've been thinking about it, and maybe the planet doesn't spin, but instead, the sun and the moon orbit Equestria.

 

Celestia and Luna aren't more powerful than every other unicorn in existence, but moving the sun and moon around Equestria is their natural talent.

 

However, it still raises the question as to why the sun and the moon don't orbit Equestria by themselves, or keep going due to inertia after the princesses give them a good shove.

Edited August 1, 2013 by Dark Horn

[~Sole~ 852]

Well I just assume they move the moon and sun, instead of the earth, by pulling them in a designated rout. Sorta like how the earth goes around the sun in our world. Yeah, I know a geosentric theory isn't very realistic, and doesn't make much sense, but its the best I've got.