A recent study based on Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity reveals that time on the Moon flows faster than on Earth. The study, published in the Astronomical Journal, demonstrates that due to the Moon’s weaker gravitational pull, clocks on its surface tick approximately 56 microseconds faster per Earth day.
Theoretical physicist Bijunath Patla from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) explained, “If we are on the Moon, clocks are going to tick differently [than on Earth].” Alongside his colleague Neil Ashby, Patla refined previous calculations using Einstein’s theory, which posits that gravity and relative motion influence the ticking rate of standard clocks.
How Does Gravity Impact Time?
General relativity predicts that clocks in weaker gravitational fields tick faster, while those in stronger gravitational fields tick slower. On the Moon, which has only one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, the difference in timekeeping is pronounced. The study also accounted for other factors, such as the Earth-Moon system’s movement under the Sun’s gravity, tidal forces, and deviations in their shapes.
Why Does This Matter?
As NASA prepares for the Artemis missions to return humans to the Moon, precise communication and navigation between the Earth and Moon are critical. A drift of just 56 microseconds daily could cause significant errors in navigation over time. The study’s relativistic framework may pave the way for establishing a “Coordinated Lunar Time” (LTC), enabling seamless synchronization between Earth and Moon-based systems.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has tasked NASA with devising a strategy to address this issue by 2026.
Lunar Exploration and Beyond
The Artemis program aims to lay the groundwork for long-term lunar exploration. Plans include establishing lunar bases and exploring technologies for deeper space missions. Scientists are also considering building infrastructure like rail systems to facilitate cargo and human transport on the Moon.
With time ticking faster on the Moon, understanding these differences will be essential for humanity’s next giant leap into space exploration.
