Moon to get its own time zone created by NASA - but clocks work differently there

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NASA has been tasked with creating a standardized time zone for the moon, known as Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), by the end of 2026. This initiative aims to ensure synchronized communications and secure data transfers for lunar spacecraft and satellites. However, developing a time standard for the moon presents challenges due to the differences in gravitational forces between the Earth and the moon, causing time to unfold differently on the lunar surface.

 

Kevin Coggins, NASA's space communications and navigation chief, explained that clocks on Earth would move at a different rate on the moon, with an average loss of 58.7 microseconds per Earth-day when viewed from the lunar surface. Additionally, periodic variations would further distinguish lunar time from Earth time.

 

The creation of LTC will require collaboration between NASA and other branches of the US government. The goal is to establish a time-keeping benchmark similar to the atomic clocks at the US Naval Observatory, which synchronize activities across the nation.

 

NASA's Artemis program, aimed at returning astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972, involves numerous companies, spacecraft, and countries. A unified lunar time standard is crucial for ensuring secure data transfers between spacecraft and synchronized communication between Earth, satellites, lunar bases, and astronauts.

 

Without LTC, discrepancies in time could lead to errors in mapping and positioning on or around the moon. Just as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) serves as the basis for most clocks and time zones on Earth, LTC will provide a standardized timekeeping system for lunar activities, enhancing coordination and efficiency in lunar exploration endeavors.

 

04.04.24

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[retarius]

Clocks run slower in a moving spaceship as well, even atomic clocks. I don't know how anyone can possibly know whether this is an artefact of the time measurement or an artefact of the gravitational bending of space-time. Time is pretty much as enigmatic as it ever was. A big part of me thinks it is an artificial dimension created by human thought.