'Dropped 8-10 Kelvin': Moon's temperature decreased due to lockdown on Earth
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Study Overview
A recent study by Indian researchers has identified a surprising effect of the COVID-19 lockdowns: a notable decrease in lunar surface temperatures.
Temperature Findings
The research indicates that nighttime temperatures on the Moon dropped by 8-10 Kelvin during the global lockdown in 2020.
Data Source
The team analysed temperature data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, revealing that the cooling coincided with a significant decline in human activities on Earth.
Atmospheric Changes
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and aerosols during the lockdown appears to have altered the radiation emitted from Earth, resulting in a cooling effect on the Moon's surface.
Research Publication
The findings were published in the *Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters*, highlighting the connection between Earth and the Moon.
Research Team
Led by K Durga Prasad and G Ambily from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), the team examined lunar temperature data from six locations between 2017 and 2023.
Post-Lockdown Effects
After human activities resumed, lunar temperatures increased, suggesting a link between human actions on Earth and environmental changes beyond our planet.
Future Research Implications
The study emphasizes the need for further data to understand the Earth-Moon dynamic, suggesting that future lunar observatories may enhance our understanding of how human activities influence celestial environments.