Story perspectives
Moon Drifts Away: Earth's Days Lengthen Gradually
9/15/2025
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Story summary
- The Moon moves 1.5 inches away from Earth annually, as measured by lasers reflecting off lunar mirrors.
- Tidal forces create ocean bulges that pull the Moon forward, increasing its distance.
- Earth's rotation slows as the Moon gains momentum, gradually lengthening days.
- The Moon formed 4.5 billion years ago from debris after a Mars-sized impact.
- Ancient Sumerian records mention a planet, Tiamat, contributing to Earth's water and the Moon's formation.
