Why Is the Moon Slowly Drifting Away From Earth?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why is the Moon slowly drifting away from Earth?

The Big Idea

The Moon is drifting away because ocean tides pass a little of Earth's spin energy to it! That nudges the Moon about 3.8 centimeters farther away each year. That is about how fast your fingernails grow. It is a very slow goodbye.

Tides Drag Along

Step one: the Moon raises tides on Earth. Earth spins faster than the Moon circles, so the tidal bulge gets dragged a little ahead of the Moon. That bulge pulls on the Moon, too.

A Gentle Push

Step two: Earth gives the Moon a gentle push. The bulge tugs the Moon forward in its orbit, and that gives it extra energy. With more energy, the Moon moves to a bigger orbit. So it moves away, slowly.

Longer Days

Step three: Earth's spin slows a bit. The energy Earth gives away comes from its spin, so Earth turns a little slower. Our days are getting slowly longer, but you will never notice. It takes millions of years.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The tidal bulge pulls on the Moon. Earth gives away a bit of spin. The Moon gains energy and moves outward. Each year, the gap grows by about 3.8 centimeters.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The Moon moves away about 3.8 centimeters a year. That is about as fast as fingernails grow. Earth's days are getting slowly longer. Scientists measure it with laser mirrors left by astronauts.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Measure 3.8 centimeters on a ruler. That is how far the Moon moves in one year. How far would that be in ten years? Tell a grown-up your answer.

Outro

The Moon is slowly saying goodbye, one fingernail at a time. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!