Hello moon, do you have the correct time?
Earth clocks tick a tiny bit slower than those on the moon, about 56 microseconds shorter, because of gravity differences. It may not sound like much, but this small variance adds up over time and could cause problems for lunar missions.
NASA and its partners want to create a new “time scale” for the moon, not just a simple time zone shift. That requires setting up exceptionally accurate clocks on the moon and syncing them with the Earth’s clocks.
Scientists will have to figure out what types of clocks to use, where to place them, and how to pay for them. These lunar clocks might orbit the moon or be installed at key spots on its surface. For precise navigation and coordination on the moon, they’ll need to be accurate down to tens of nanoseconds. NASA’s intention is to create a “LunaNet”—an internet-like network for communication and navigation on the moon, all based on this new lunar time scale.
This system could also pave the way for future timekeeping on Mars and other planets, which would be crucial for exploring deeper into space. As astronauts get used to the moon’s 14-day cycles of light and dark, precise timekeeping will be essential for mission planning and for living and working on the lunar surface.