The Moon is gradually moving farther away from Earth, according to Professor Steven Dykkerby, a geologist and astronomer at Michigan State University, USA.
He revealed that the Moon drifts away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) each year.
Considered Earth’s most reliable celestial companion, the Moon has remained in orbit with the planet for nearly 4.5 billion years.
However, Professor Dykkerby explained that this gradual drift has consequences: as the Moon slowly recedes, Earth’s rotation is also decelerating.
“This essentially means that days on Earth are becoming longer,” he noted.
He further highlighted that around 70 million years ago—during the age of the dinosaurs—a single day on Earth lasted approximately 23.5 hours.
