Our Moon is slowly moving away from Earth: Here’s when and what scientists predict will happen

Our Moon Is Drifting Away and Here’s Why (Image: Canva)

Have you ever wondered why the Moon seems farther away? Scientists have discovered the Moon moves 1½ inches away yearly. This slow drift puzzles many curious about Earth and space.

How Scientists Quantify the Distance of the Moon

Scientists fire lasers at mirrors left by astronauts. They find how long it takes for light to bounce back. This is very accurate and detects slight distance changes. The Moon circles Earth at approximately 239,000 miles. It does not travel in a perfect circle, however. Sometimes it is as much as 12,400 miles closer or farther away. This is why some full moons seem bigger. These are known as supermoons and can be seen from Earth's surface.

Stephen DiKerby, a physics researcher, studies such motions. His research explains Earth-Moon interactions for billions of years.

Why Is the Moon Getting Farther Away?

The main reason is tidal forces between Earth and Moon. The Moon’s gravity pulls oceans into two bulges. One faces the Moon, the other is opposite. These bulges move because Earth spins on its axis. Locations like New York experience tides rising five feet.

These bulges in the oceans do not exactly lie along the Moon. They cause the Moon to slightly lag behind Earth's rotation. This causes a forward gravitational pull on the Moon. It is akin to giving it a little push. As a result, the Moon’s orbit slowly expands.

Scientists explain the effect as very gradual. The Moon’s distance increases just 1.5 inches annually. Compared to its overall distance, the change is tiny. But over millions of years, it shows.

Does the Movement of the Moon Influence the Rotation of Earth?

Yes, the Earth is slowed somewhat as the Moon picks up speed. Think of a whirling weight attached to a string. The longer the string, the more difficult it is to bring it to a stop. The Earth's rotation slows as the Moon recedes. This makes each day a tiny bit longer with time.

These changes are very tiny and harmless. Daily life and natural events remain unaffected for now. Eclipses, tides, and 24-hour days continue as usual.

Was the Moon Closer in the Past?

Long ago, the Moon was much nearer Earth. Scientists believe a protoplanet collision created the Moon 4.5 billion years ago. Fossil clam shells show shorter Earth days in ancient times. Around 70 million years ago, a day lasted 23.5 hours. These findings match astronomical predictions of a slowing Earth.

Could the Moon escape Earth’s gravity eventually? In tens of billions of years, Earth and Moon may synchronise. They would become tidally locked, rotating together. The Moon’s outward movement would then stop.

But this future is far away and unlikely. The Sun will heat up and evaporate Earth’s oceans first. Without oceans, tidal bulges will cease to exist. Later, the Sun expands into a red giant star. Earth and Moon may be destroyed then.

Stephen DiKerby said the universe holds many surprises. He encouraged following nature’s clues with curiosity. Meanwhile, people can continue enjoying beautiful tides and lunar views.

This research illuminates knowledge of our special Moon and Earth. It reminds us that changes in the cosmos occur very slowly.