Scientists have revealed that our reliable celestial companion, the Moon, which has been with us for 4.5 billion years, is slowly drifting away from Earth.
Dr. Stephen D. Kirby, a researcher in Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University, explained that the Moon moves away by 1.5 inches (approximately 3.8 cm) every year. This gradual drift is slowing down Earth’s rotation, which could eventually make days last 25 hours.
Interestingly, this also explains the era of the dinosaurs. About 70 million years ago, a single day on Earth is estimated to have lasted only 23.5 hours.
But there’s no need to worry. Dr. Kirby assures:
“The Moon’s annual drift of 1.5 inches is extremely small compared to its total distance. For millions of years to come, our days will remain 24 hours long. Tides and eclipses will continue as usual.”
The reason the Moon drifts away slowly is Earth’s ocean tides. The gravitational pull of the oceans exerts a forward tug on the Moon, increasing its speed and expanding its orbit. As a result, the Moon gradually moves away from Earth.
This change happens very slowly; its significant effects will only be noticeable after millions of years. Scientists say that billions of years from now, Earth and the Moon will become tidally locked, meaning the same side of Earth will always face the Moon.
However, humans will never witness this. In a billion years, the Sun will heat up and vaporize Earth’s oceans. Then, a few billion years later, the Sun will expand into a Red Giant, destroying both Earth and the Moon, scientists warn.
(Tamil Craze)
