In the year 1110 it was believed that the moon had disappeared. And years later, scientists discovered that the sky darkened due to emissions from volcanoes. However, it has always been thought what would happen if the moon disappeared. We know that the moon has different effects on our planet and that it is responsible for the tides as we know them.
Therefore, what would happen if the moon suddenly disappeared? Here we are going to tell you everything you need to know.
Effects of the Moon on Earth
The Moon exerts a significant influence on the Earth, generating a series of effects that are clearly observable and studied by scientists. These effects are the result of the gravitational interaction between the Moon and our planet:
- Tides: One of the most obvious effects of the lunar influence on Earth are the tides. The Moon's gravitational pull causes the water level in the oceans to periodically rise and fall. This gives rise to the high and low tides that we experience twice a day. The Moon's gravitational force generates tides on both the side of the Earth facing the Moon (high tide) and the opposite side (opposite high tide).
- Precession of the earth's axes: The gravitational influence of the Moon and the Sun on the Earth also contributes to the precession of the Earth's axes. This phenomenon causes the Earth's axis of rotation to undergo a slow cyclical movement over a period of approximately 26,000 years. Precession affects the seasons and other weather patterns.
- Variations in the length of the day: The Moon also influences the rotation of the Earth. The transfer of angular momentum from the Earth to the Moon due to the gravitational force results in a gradual slowing of the Earth's rotation. This results in a slow increase in the length of the day over millions of years.
- Formation of the oceans: The Moon is also believed to have played an important role in the formation of Earth's oceans. The most widely accepted theory suggests that, billions of years ago, a large impact between Earth and a celestial body the size of Mars launched material into space, and this material eventually coalesced to form the Moon. The presence of the Moon stabilized the Earth's rotation and allowed water to accumulate on the surface.
- Moonlight and biological rhythms: The light reflected by the Moon can also influence the biological rhythms of some species, such as nocturnal animals and plants that depend on light for photosynthesis.
What would happen if the moon disappeared?
NASA reports that the Moon is at a distance of 358.266 kilometers from Earth. As a result of the Moon's gravitational pull, tides are produced, which act as a buffer against heat. Without this effect, the environment would suffer extreme temperatures that could alter ecosystems. Basically, the Moon helps stabilize conditions on the planet. However, what would happen if the Moon disappeared?
Dr. Alejandro Farah Simón is a respected member of the Institute of Astronomy of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the University Space Program (PEU) and has participated in research on it.
If the Moon suddenly disappeared, the effect on Earth would be significant. The most immediate change would be the alteration of tidal patterns, which would have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems and coastal areas. Additionally, the Moon's gravitational pull stabilizes the Earth's tilt on its axis, creating consistent climate and weather patterns.
Without the Moon, the Earth's axis would wobble, causing extreme climate changes and unpredictable weather patterns. Overall, the disappearance of the Moon would have a profound impact on our planet and the life it supports. Relative to the plane in which we orbit the Sun, The Earth's tilt is approximately 23,5 degrees. It is the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth that keeps our planet in place.
However, if the Moon were to suddenly disappear, the tilt of the Earth would become prominent and cause climate change. If the Earth's tilt increased to 90 degrees, one side would be in complete darkness for six months, while the other side would be destroyed by sunlight.
The specialist clarifies that the disappearance of the Moon would not occur abruptly. Rather, it would be the consequence of an unimaginably disastrous event that would also have serious impacts on Earth.
Predators depend on small amounts of moonlight to hunt efficiently. Without this light, prey may escape because it will be difficult for predators to detect them. On the other hand, Marine life can also be harmed due to erratic ocean temperatures. In addition to a sudden poleward shift, this problem would cause damage to marine communities as we know them today.
Still, this scenario is unlikely to occur in the near future, as so far there is no threat or evidence of the moon being destroyed or disappearing.
Is the Moon moving away from the Earth?
A question that has been on the minds of many is whether the Moon is gradually distancing itself from the Earth.
While the issue may cause some concern, it is ultimately not a major issue. Scientific calculations show that the gravitational pull of both the Sun and the Moon on Earth causes a particular event. This results in the natural satellite gradually moves away from its home planet. This phenomenon is the result of water movements, which gradually increase the distance between the Earth and the Moon over time.
To maintain a delicate balance, the distance to the Moon is estimated to increase by approximately 3 centimeters each year. As a result, in a period of one million years, the Moon will have changed its position by about 30 kilometers.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what would happen if the moon disappeared.