Scientists have discovered that the Moon is gradually drifting away from Earth each year.
According to a post on Mirror dated July 25, scientists have made new findings regarding the Moon, Earth’s only natural satellite. A recent study conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison revealed that the Moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of 3.82 cm per year. This discovery has raised concerns about the future changes on our planet. At the current rate, it will take another 200 million years for a day on Earth to last up to 25 hours.
To arrive at this conclusion, the research team analyzed data regarding both Earth and the Moon, determining how these two celestial bodies interacted 1.4 billion years ago. Professor Stephen Meyers, a geoscience expert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explained: “As the Moon moves away, Earth resembles a figure skater slowing down their spin as they extend their arms.” This study not only enhances our understanding of the past of Earth and the Moon but also provides crucial knowledge for predicting the future of our planet.
The Moon is gradually drifting away from Earth at a rate of 3.82 cm per year.
“One of our ambitions is to use astronomical dating methods to determine the time in the distant past, thereby developing a very ancient geological timescale. We want to study rocks aged billions of years in a way equivalent to how we study modern geological processes,” Professor Meyers added.
In addition to the Moon drifting away from Earth, scientists have also made promising new discoveries about this satellite. Recently, caves found on the Moon are seen as key to realizing the dream of space travel in the future. The harsh climate and extreme temperatures on the Moon’s surface have always posed significant challenges for experts in their efforts to create livable conditions for humans. However, deep underground caves could be a potential solution.
Moreover, a recent study of the Moon’s surface has discovered traces of water in the soil and rocks. This is an important finding, opening up new prospects for establishing a long-term base on the Moon.
