Did you know that days on Earth used to be less than 19 hours long?
We at Mega Curious already share a story here in which we explain that the days are getting longer and that within a few million years they will have 25 hours instead of 24. But don't think this is a recent phenomenon - or that our planet decided to slow down just a while ago!
According to Kollen Post of the Science Mag website, a team of scientists determined that in the very, very distant past, 1.4 billion years ago, each day on our planet lasted less than 19 hours. If it's hard enough to complete all we have to do in 24, just imagine what it would be like if our days were five hours less!
Slowing down
More specifically, the researchers estimated that it took the Earth 18 hours and 41 minutes to complete a spin on its axis more than a billion years ago, long before the first complex life forms appeared on the planet. Scientists have also estimated that since then each year has “gained” an average of 0.0000135 seconds, an increase that should continue over the next million - or billions - of years.
Another thing related to the gradual deceleration of the earth is that, according to Ian Sample of The Guardian, the moon will gradually move away from us. By the way, according to scientists' calculations, 1.4 billion years ago, the satellite was some 44, 000 kilometers closer to us than now - so if we are already amazed at the beauty of the moon in the night sky Imagine how it should not be in the past!
But don't worry, because even though Earth's faithful companion is moving away from the planet, the researchers explained that this detachment won't occur forever until the moon finally “breaks” with us and if one another from the System Solar. As far as it has been estimated, eventually our satellite should reach a stable distance - becoming smaller in the sky and visible to only half of the world.
***
Do you know the Mega Curioso newsletter? Weekly, we produce exclusive content for lovers of the biggest curiosities and bizarres of this big world! Register your email and do not miss this way to keep in touch!
