NASA is Moving Forward with Plans to Establish a Time Zone on the Moon

Fortunately, NASA is advancing plans to implement a standardized time zone on the Moon. The proposed Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) would help schedule missions and explorations, making future efforts to establish a permanent base on the lunar surface somewhat easier.

While the concept has been previously discussed, NASA has announced plans to collaborate with the U.S. government, commercial partners, and international standards organizations to ensure we always know the time on the Moon.

“As the commercial space industry expands and more countries engage in lunar activities, the need for time standardization increases,” explains aerospace engineer Ben Ashman from NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) team.

“A shared definition of time is essential for safe, resilient, and sustainable operations.”

Implementing Atomic Clocks for Precise Timekeeping on the Moon

NASA researchers aim to utilize atomic clocks on the Moon, similar to those used on Earth. These clocks operate based on the energy frequency required for electrons to transition between states in specific atoms, allowing for extremely precise timekeeping.

However, there is a challenge: gravitational differences between Earth and the Moon result in variations in the length of each second. Consequently, timepieces on the lunar surface will gain approximately 56 microseconds per day compared to those on Earth.

“As something travels at the speed of light, 56 microseconds is sufficient time to cover about 168 football fields,” says Cheryl Gramling, a senior navigation systems engineer at NASA.

“If someone is orbiting the Moon, an observer on Earth who doesn’t account for the effects of relativity over a day would perceive the orbiting astronaut as being about 168 football fields away from their actual position.”

Developing Mathematical Models for Enhanced Synchronization

Scientists are diligently working on the mathematical models needed to address this complex issue and ensure better synchronization between the watches of astronauts and ground control operators.

Once these obstacles are resolved, NASA scientists believe the system will be effective enough to be applied throughout the Solar System, not just on the Moon, which will be beneficial for scheduling video calls to Mars in the future.

To conclude, the development of Coordinated Lunar Time is a crucial component of the Artemis project, NASA’s initiative to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. However, the next astronaut mission to the lunar surface, which will include the first woman and the first person of color to walk on the Moon, is planned for 2026.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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