Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The Moon is gradually drifting away from Earth at a rate of 3.82 centimetres per year. This phenomenon is a result of the gravitational interactions between the two celestial bodies.
As the Moon moves further from Earth, it is causing a gradual increase in the length of a day on our planet. The process is slow, but over millions of years, it has a significant cumulative effect.
A team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted a study to understand the historical interactions between Earth and the Moon. They focused on how these interactions have evolved over billions of years.
The researchers examined rock formations from around 90 million years ago to gain insights into Earth's geological past. Their study aimed to understand the changes in Earth's rotational dynamics influenced by the Moon.
The study also looked at Earth's relationship with the Moon approximately 1.4 billion years ago. These ancient interactions have played a role in shaping the Earth's current geophysical characteristics.
The researchers predict that if the current rate of the Moon's drift continues, the length of a day on Earth could extend to 25 hours in about 200 million years.
Professor Stephen Meyers, a geoscience expert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explained the phenomenon using the analogy of a figure skater. As the skater extends their arms, they slow down; similarly, Earth slows its rotation as the Moon moves away.
One of the goals of the research was to utilize astrochronology, a method that links astronomical events with geological processes, to create accurate geological time scales for Earth's distant past.
While the Moon is slowly moving away, this process is gradual and will not cause the Moon to disappear from the night sky anytime soon. However, it highlights the dynamic nature of celestial mechanics and Earth's evolving relationship with its natural satellite.