Earth's Days Are Getting Longer: Brace For 25-Hour Days Ahead!
by priyanka roshan | aug 6, 2024
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison show that Earth's days are slowly getting longer, potentially reaching 25 hours in the distant future due to the Moon's gradual drift away from our planet.
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Currently about 384,400 km (238,855 miles) from Earth and orbiting every 27.3 days, the Moon's movement affects Earth's rotation. Here’s what you need to know about this intriguing development:
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The research indicates the Moon is moving away at about 3.8 centimeters per year, which slows Earth's rotation and lengthens our days.
Moon's Drift
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As the Moon drifts, its gravitational pull decelerates Earth's rotation, gradually extending the length of a day.
Increasing Day Length
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Scientists estimate that in about 200 million years, a day could extend to around 25 hours based on current drift data.
Future Projections
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This gradual change may impact future scientific research and our understanding of Earth's long-term climate and environmental shifts.
Implications for Life
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Advanced technology is used to track the Moon’s drift and its effects on Earth’s rotation, providing insights into these long-term changes.
Scientific Monitoring
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The Moon also helps stabilize Earth’s axial tilt, which influences seasonal variations and climate patterns.
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Stephen Meyers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison notes, "As the Moon moves away, Earth behaves like a spinning figure skater slowing down as they extend their arms," emphasizing the importance of understanding this drift for developing geological time scales.
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