Scientists Confirm Time Passes Faster on the Moon Than on Earth

New research reveals a 56-microsecond daily time drift due to gravitational differences, critical for future lunar missions under NASA's Artemis program.

• A study published in the Astronomical Journal shows that clocks on the Moon tick 56 microseconds faster per day than those on Earth, based on Einstein's theory of general relativity.
• The Moon's weaker gravitational pull accelerates time, while its motion relative to Earth slows it down, resulting in a net time drift.
• This time discrepancy could lead to navigational errors of up to 17 kilometers per day, posing challenges for precise lunar navigation and communication systems.
• NASA and international experts are working to establish a standardized lunar time system, which will be essential for future missions and potential Moon bases.
• The Artemis program, including the upcoming Artemis II crewed mission, aims to address these challenges as part of broader efforts to expand human presence on the Moon.

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