Image: NASA

November 12, 2024

Scientists plan 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 about 56 microseconds shorter than a day on Earth, scientists aim to develop a new “time scale.”

Image: NASA

The time scale will account for these differences, where seconds pass slightly faster.

Image: NASA

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

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This precise lunar timing will help astronauts communicate, navigate and coordinate their tasks on the Moon.

Image: NASA

Gravity differences and the Moon’s unique day-night cycle make synchronizing time with Earth difficult.

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The lunar network, LunaNet, will use synchronized clocks to facilitate navigation and communication, much like an “Internet for the Moon”.

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For precise, stable timekeeping during extended missions, scientists consider atomic clocks

Image: NASA

The establishment of lunar time is a crucial step towards a sustainable human presence on the Moon, thereby significantly advancing space exploration.

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Image: Reuters

Image: Unsplash

Image: NASA