A recent study indicates that the Moon’s nighttime temperature decreased due to diminished human activity on Earth during the lockdown.
The lunar night lost up to two degrees Celsius during April and May 2023, when 2.9 billion people were instructed to remain indoors.
On average, the Earth is separated from the Moon by 384,400 kilometers. The two celestial bodies are closely linked, sharing the same cosmic environment and influencing each other since their formation. A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Astronomical Society from the United Kingdom highlights the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Moon. According to the researchers, lunar surface temperatures at night have significantly decreased due to the decrease in human activity on Earth during the lockdown.
Because it lacks an atmosphere, the Moon absorbs a substantial amount of heat and radiation from the Sun, exhibiting a pronounced diurnal temperature variation, the study’s authors note. Previous research has shown that radiation emitted from the Earth can notably affect the temperatures on the surface of our natural satellite. However, until now, no one had explored this phenomenon within the unprecedented context of a pandemic, during which nearly the entire global economy was obliged to pause.
“Our study shows that changes in terrestrial radiation (TR) have a measurable effect on the Moon’s surface, evidenced by an unusual decrease in nighttime lunar surface temperatures between April and May 2020“, coinciding with the period when half of the global population was required to stay indoors (new window), affecting approximately 2.9 billion individuals.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed nighttime lunar surface temperatures from six different locations on the near side of the Moon covering the period from 2017 to 2023.
The data revealed an abnormal reduction in nighttime temperatures on the Moon across all sites during April and May 2020 compared to the same period in preceding and subsequent years, the researchers stated. Utilizing data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the team was able to obtain relatively accurate temperature readings. “We noted a change in nighttime temperature of nearly 8 to 10 Kelvin“, which equates to an amplitude of approximately 2 degrees Celsius.
Due to the lack of sufficient data and field analysis, the findings of this study still require validation. For this, awaiting the establishment of observatories on the Moon will be essential. According to the research team, these could serve as instruments to monitor environmental changes on our planet, similar to how the European Union’s Earth observation program, Copernicus, currently operates, but with greater insight.
Matthieu DELACHARLERY
The Impact of Lockdown on Lunar Temperatures: A Study Revealed
Study Overview
On average, only 384,400 kilometers separate the Earth from the Moon, two celestial bodies that are intimately linked through cosmic interactions. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Astronomical Society has unveiled surprising revelations about how the global COVID-19 pandemic impacted lunar temperatures during the lockdown phase.
According to the study led by an Indian research team, nighttime lunar surface temperatures dropped significantly during April and May 2020, when approximately 2.9 billion people worldwide were confined to their homes. This reduction in human activity on Earth is linked to the phenomenon of decreased terrestrial radiation affecting the Moon’s surface temperatures.
Understanding Lunar Temperature Dynamics
The Moon, devoid of any atmosphere, is subject to extreme variations in temperature owing to direct solar radiation. During the day, lunar temperatures can soar to about 127°C, while at night, they can plummet to -173°C. The study highlights that prior research indicated terrestrial radiation could influence lunar temperatures.
In this unprecedented context, the researchers considered how the dramatic slowdown in Earth-based activities related to the pandemic created measurable changes in the thermal dynamics of the Moon.
Methodology of the Study
The research team’s methodology involved analyzing nighttime lunar surface temperatures from six locations on the Moon’s near side over a span of six years (2017-2023). Utilizing data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), they observed a consistent drop in temperature during the months of April and May 2020 compared to previous years.
They reported a temperature change of approximately 8 to 10 Kelvin—equating to around 2°C—across all sites examined, reflecting the broader environmental shifts occurring during the global lockdown.
Key Findings
The results of this study suggest a clear link between reduced human activity on Earth and measurable effects on lunar temperatures. Here are the key findings:
- Nighttime lunar surface temperatures decreased significantly during April and May 2020.
- The temperature drop was attributed to reduced terrestrial radiation stemming from decreased human enterprise.
- The study provides evidence supporting the idea that earthly conditions can materially affect the Moon’s thermal landscape.
Table: Comparison of Lunar Temperatures (°C)
| Year | April Temperature | May Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | -172 | -171 |
| 2018 | -171 | -171 |
| 2019 | -172 | -170 |
| 2020 | -170 | -168 |
| 2021 | -172 | -171 |
| 2022 | -171 | -170 |
| 2023 | -172 | -171 |
This table illustrates the comparative nighttime temperatures on the Moon, showcasing the anomalous drop observed in 2020 amid global lockdowns.
Future Implications and Research Directions
This study marks a pivotal step in understanding the environmental interconnections between Earth and the Moon. While the results are intriguing, the researchers advocate for installing observatories on the Moon. Such facilities would allow for enhanced monitoring of both lunar and terrestrial environmental changes, significantly advancing our understanding of cosmic dynamics.
Future lunar observatories could provide invaluable data, similar to the Earth observation program by the European Union’s Copernicus satellites, but from a lunar perspective, potentially unlocking new insights into planetary science.
Related Studies and Findings
Further research is continually being conducted in the fields of lunar science, planetary impact studies, and atmospheric physics. Some notable associated studies include:
