Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States have found that the Moon is gradually drifting away from Earth, resulting in a slow increase in the length of Earth’s days.
The team of scientists focused on studying rocks that are 90 million years old. This allowed them to analyze the interaction between Earth and the Moon that occurred 1.4 billion years ago.
The findings revealed that the Moon is moving away from Earth at a rate of 3.82 centimeters per year. According to the researchers’ predictions, this will lead to Earth’s day lengthening to 25 hours in 200 million years.
Stephen Meyers, a professor of geoscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains this phenomenon:
“As the Moon moves away, Earth behaves like a figure skater who slows down by extending their arms outwards.”
This research is significant for the advancement of geology.
“One of our goals was to use astrochronology to determine time in the ancient past, in order to develop very ancient geological timelines,” adds Professor Meyers.
The scientists plan to apply this method to study rocks that are billions of years old to gain a better understanding of ancient geological processes and compare them with modern ones.
Interestingly, another important discovery related to the Moon was made recently. A team of researchers has captured evidence of a massive cave on Earth’s satellite, at least 100 meters deep, which could become an ideal location for establishing a permanent human base on the Moon.
Source: Msn
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