Scientists say we need to establish an accurate timekeeping system on the moon as space agencies plan lunar settlements and renewed exploration. Time passes slightly faster on the moon compared to Earth.
On the moon, a single day is approximately 56 microseconds shorter than an Earth day. While a small difference, it can lead to inconsistencies over time if not accounted for.
NASA and its partners want to create a new “time scale” specific to the moon that everyone agrees to use, similar to Coordinated Universal Time on Earth. This will be crucial for navigation and coordination of astronauts and activities on the lunar surface.
Clocks will need to be placed on the moon to track lunar time accurately. Atomic clocks are being considered but crystal oscillators and a network of different clocks may be used. Locations on the lunar equator are being studied.
Agreements need to be reached on how to define and keep lunar time and ensure it can still be related to time on Earth. International standards and organizations will be involved in the coordination.
Experts say having an established lunar time scale that accounts for relativity effects is an important foundation as space agencies pursue long-term lunar exploration and settlement goals in the coming years.
Spurce: CNN
