Why Scientists Want To Send Clocks To The Moon

Image: NASA

12 November 2024

Scientists are planning to install ultra-precise clocks on the moon to establish a unique lunar time system for future missions


Image: NASA

Since a day on the lunar surface is around 56 microseconds shorter than an Earth day, scientists aim to develop a new “time scale” 


Image: NASA

Time scale will accounts for these differences, where seconds tick slightly faster


Image: NASA

NASA intends to collaborate with international partners to design a reliable lunar time-tracking system


Image: Unsplash

This accurate lunar timekeeping will aid astronauts in communication, navigation, and task coordination on the moon


Image: NASA

Differences in gravity and the moon's unique day-night cycle make time synchronization with Earth challenging


Image: Unsplash

The lunar network, LunaNet, will use synced clocks to facilitate navigation and communication, much like an "internet for the moon"


Image: Unsplash

For precise, stable timekeeping on extended missions, scientists are considering atomic clocks


Image: NASA

Establishing lunar time is a critical step toward a lasting human presence on the moon, advancing space exploration significantly


Image: Unsplash

Check More Stories

Image: Reuters 

Image: Unsplash

Image: NASA

ndtv.com