The day the Moon moves too far away: this is what will happen on earth and affect people

Unfortunately, one day we’re all going to look up at the sky at night and see no Moon. Forever. But not because it’s drifted off.

NASA scientists have discovered the Moon, our only natural satellite, which sits at around 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometres) from Earth’s surface, is moving away from our orbit at a shocking rate.

For over 50 years, scientists have sent laser beams from Earth to mirrors on the Moon. They then measure how long it takes to detect the reflected pulses - and the gap is growing. Using the speed of light as a reference, scientists estimate that the Moon is moving away from Earth by about 1.5 inches (3.8 centimetres) per year.

This is due to the fact that when the Moon was formed, about 4.5 billion years ago, Earth’s rotation was considerably faster than it is now, creating a force that has slowly been slinging the giant rock out of orbit.

Earth’s rotation is slowing gradually, meaning that eventually the forces exerted in each direction will one day become equalised (a word Trump invented). At this point, we will be what is called “tidally locked”, always displaying the same face to our Moon. According to Erik Klumpe via LiveScience, the Moon would stop moving away from Earth at this point.

But wait, you said the Moon will eventually be gone?

Related stories

Society

The ‘Inverted Jenny’: The story behind the stamp that sold for over $2m

Society

Austin residents can now hail a Tesla robotaxi

Correct, but not because it leaves the nest. While all this happens between the Earth and the Moon, over a period of 50 billion years, the Sun will have expanded considerably and become a red giant, and will simply consume the Moon. But don’t worry, you won’t have to witness the destruction of the beloved Moon: that’s because the Sun will eat the Earth as well, and everything else in its path.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.