New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that the Moon is gradually drifting away from Earth, a process that could eventually lengthen the length of a day to 25 hours.
The study, based on geological analysis of ancient rock formations, shows the Moon is receding at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters per year.This gradual separation, driven by gravitational interactions and tidal forces between Earth and the Moon, could lead to significant changes in the Earth’s rotation over the next 200 million years.
Historically, the study indicates that 1.4 billion years ago, a day on Earth was just over 18 hours long.Stephen Meyers, a geoscience professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, likened the effect to a spinning figure skater slowing down as they extend their arms.
He stressed the importance of using astrochronology to understand ancient geological processes and to develop time scales for studying very old rocks.While the phenomenon of the Moon’s recession has been known for decades, this research provides a more detailed historical and geological context.
The study highlights that although the Moon’s rate of recession is relatively stable, it has varied over geological timescales due to factors such as Earth’s rotational speed and continental drift.
