Covid-19 Lockdown Led To A Dip In Moon's Temperature: Study (image/pixabay)
The COVID 19 lockdown was a nightmare for the majority so much so that it even created an impact on the Moon. Indian researchers revealed an unexpected consequence of the lockdown on the Moon, which reflected in a significant drop in lunar temperatures.
The research observed an anomalous dip occurred in lunar night-time surface temperatures during the Covid 19 lockdown (April-May 2020) due to reduced human activity. The lockdown altered the night temperature of the Moon, which fell by 8-10 Kelvin. The research also revealed a surprising inter-connection between Earth and the celestial bodies.
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Analysing the data of NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Indian researchers found that the decrease in the moon’s temperature coincided with a drastic reduction of human activities on Earth. The decline on the emission of greenhouse gases during the lockdown seems to have altered the Terrestrial Radiation (TR) emitted from the Earth, which eventually infused a cooling effect on the Moon.
The study also identified the emission of green house gases as the key source for enhanced outgoing of Terrestrial radiation.
The study titled “Effect of COVID-19 global lockdown on our moon was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,” underscores the link between planet Earth and the Moon.
The study was lead by researchers K Durga Prasad and G Ambily from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL). The team analysed lunar surface temperature data from six locations between 2017 and 2023.
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The researchers consider this occurrence as a rare and unique opportunity, highlighting the fact that it may never occur again. It also offers a fresh perspective on the broader cosmic effects of global human activity.
While the findings present strong evidence, further data is needed to fully understand the Earth-Moon dynamic. Future lunar observatories could be key to advancing our understanding of how human actions influence the cosmos.
