And, even if (for some reason) the Earth did move further from the sun, it wouldn't affect the Earth's self-gravity.

Welcome to BAUT, tomsolomon. You might want to check out the Question and Answer section for astronomy questions, but you're right that "expanding Earth" arguments belong in this section.

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I say there is an invisible elf in my backyard. How do you prove that I am wrong?

Disclaimer: Avatar is not an official NASA image and does not imply any specific interplanetary or interstellar capability.

The Leif Ericson Cruiser