The disappearance of the Moon will have catastrophic consequences for our planet.
Space is an unpredictable place, and therefore anything can happen there. It may also happen that the Moon disappears. Scientists do not exclude such a theoretical possibility. The Moon, which was created when a Mars-sized object hit the Earth, was formed about 50 million years after the Earth came into existence about 4.5 billion years ago, a recent study shows. The Earth and its inhabitants are inextricably linked with the Moon. But how exactly can the Moon disappear and what consequences will it lead to? Space writes about this.
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Scientists from NASA believe that the theoretical possibility that the Moon will disappear exists. The most realistic option for such a development of events would be an impact on the Moon by a large cosmic body, which could split the Earth’s satellite into pieces. But most of these large objects became part of the planets at the dawn of the solar system. Another option, although even less likely, suggests that a wandering planet will fly into the solar system and collide with the Moon.
Scientists from NASA believe that there is a theoretical possibility that the Moon will disappear. The most realistic option for such a development of events would be an impact on the Moon by a large cosmic body, which could split the Earth’s satellite into pieces. But most of these large objects became part of the planets at the dawn of the solar system. Another option, although even less likely, suggests that a wandering planet will fly into the solar system and collide with the Moon
Photo: space.com
If we assume that one of the above happened and the Moon did disappear, then how will this affect the Earth? As you know, the Moon causes the appearance of ocean tides. If they are not there, then marine life living in coastal zones will either die or adapt to new conditions. But ecosystems will be destroyed. Almost 75% of the world’s people live in coastal areas within 50 km of the oceans. Billions of people rely on marine life for food. If ecosystems are destroyed, it will be a disaster for both marine life and people.
Tides also shape the landscape of coastal zones, which means this process will stop for some time. Tides also play an important role in the overall regulation of ocean water temperature. This process will also be disrupted. Tides also have a strong influence on ocean currents, and therefore on the circulation of water in the oceans. Currents influence the air masses above them, which play an important role in regulating climate. According to scientists, the disappearance of tides will disrupt the temperature regime in the oceans, and this will also lead to climate change on Earth.
As you know, the Moon causes the appearance of ocean tides. If they are not there, then marine life living in coastal zones will either die or adapt to new conditions. But ecosystems will be destroyed
Photo: The Guardian
It is worth recalling that the Moon is responsible for stabilizing the Earth’s rotation axis. As you know, the axis of the planet is inclined to the orbital plane along which the Earth rotates around the Sun, at an angle of 23.4 degrees. But the axis experiences vibrations during the rotation of the Earth, and therefore over the course of 26 thousand years the angle of the axis deviates by a couple of degrees. If the Moon disappears, there will be no stabilization of the Earth’s rotation axis. This means that the axis vibrations will be chaotic, which will lead to the fact that the seasons we know will simply disappear. As a result, the usual habitat for many living organisms will become hostile.
Many animals and birds have evolved in such a way that they have become dependent on the Moon. The life cycles or behavior of some species are based on the cycles of the moon. For example, some birds use moonlight to migrate, and for terrestrial nocturnal predators, moonlight helps them find prey.
The disappearance of the Moon would also have catastrophic consequences for space exploration and exploration. On the Earth’s satellite, scientists are already testing certain technologies that will help in the exploration of other worlds. After all, this is the closest astronomical object to us, which is the easiest to reach.
The disappearance of the Moon would also have catastrophic consequences for space exploration and exploration.
Photo: space.com
Also, the Moon, according to scientists, will serve as a transit point during flights to other planets and their satellites. The fact is that the Moon contains a significant amount of valuable resources, including water, which can be used for interplanetary missions. This way there will be no need to bring these resources from Earth.
Of course, we should not forget that the Moon plays an important role in different cultures and religions. Therefore, its disappearance will lead to a crisis of religious beliefs among millions of people.
So far, nothing indicates that the Moon may disappear, although, as already written Focusastronomers know that it is slowly moving away from the Earth.
Also Focus wrote that this year the first piece of equipment for the 4G cellular communication system will be deployed on the Moon. With its help, both astronauts on the Moon and robotic vehicles will be able to communicate.
