NASA Aims to Develop a New Lunar Clock with Faster Seconds
WASHINGTON—NASA is looking to create a unique timekeeping system for the moon, setting up a specialized clock to keep track of time in outer space.
Unlike Earth’s time zones, the moon will have its own distinct time reference, where time moves slightly faster by 58.7 microseconds every day. In response, the White House has directed NASA and other U.S. agencies to collaborate with international partners to develop a new time reference system centered around the moon.
“An atomic clock on the moon will operate at a different pace than one on Earth,” explained Kevin Coggins, NASA’s top communications and navigation official. “It’s logical that each celestial body, such as the moon or Mars, maintains its unique time rhythm.”
According to Mr. Coggins, all operations on the moon will adhere to this accelerated moon time.
While astronauts on previous moon missions used watches for timekeeping, the precision and necessity of accurate timing have significantly increased with advancements in technology like GPS, satellites, and complex computer systems. Minute differences in timing become crucial when these high-tech systems interact.
Last year, the European Space Agency emphasized the need for a standardized time system for the moon, where a day lasts approximately 29.5 Earth days.
Related Stories
The International Space Station, orbiting low around Earth, will still utilize coordinated universal time (UTC) for timekeeping. However, NASA needs to determine the boundary where the new space time system transitions. Even Earth undergoes time fluctuations, necessitating the addition of leap seconds.
Unlike Earth, the moon will not observe daylight saving time, confirmed Mr. Coggins.
The White House has set a deadline for NASA to present an initial concept by the end of this year and a finalized plan by the close of 2026.
NASA aims to conduct a mission sending astronauts around the moon in September 2025, with plans to land individuals on the moon a year later.
