Buzz
We've all wished for more hours in a day, and it turns out, the Moon might have been listening all along. Recent studies reveal that Earth's days are growing longer, with this change linked to the Moon's gradual drift away from our planet, as reported by Space.com.
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that 1.4 billion years ago, when the Moon was much closer, Earth had only 18-hour days. The Moon moves approximately 1.5 inches further from Earth each year due to Earth's tidal forces. As it recedes, Earth's rotation slows down, much like a figure skater who decelerates by extending their arms, as explained by Stephen Meyers, co-author of the study, in a statement.
However, this change is so gradual that it will be unnoticeable during our lifetimes—and even for our great-great-grandchildren. A few years ago, astronomer Britt Scharringhausen estimated that in 100 years, the day will be just two milliseconds longer.
The researchers at UW arrived at their conclusions, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, by utilizing both astronomy and geology. Through a technique known as astrochronology, they examined two ancient rock formations, one in China and one in the Atlantic Ocean, which are 1.4 billion and 55 million years old, respectively, to piece together Earth's early history.
"The geologic record serves as a cosmic observatory for the early solar system," explained Meyers. "We are witnessing its rhythmic pulse, preserved in the rocks and the history of life."
Earth's movements, known as Milankovitch cycles, are influenced not only by the Moon but also by the other planets. These variations ultimately dictate how much sunlight reaches Earth, thereby shaping the planet's climate.
