Chandrayaan 3: What happens to Earth if there is no Moon?

Chandrayaan-3, sent by Indian space research organisation (ISRO), is set to land smoothly on Moon on 23 August 2023.

Chandrayaan-3 is a India’s historic space mission in studying the Moon.

However, many people have many doubts about the Moon and it’s importance.

The Moon has several important effects on Earth due to its gravitational influence. Here are some key aspects that would be affected if the Moon didn’t exist:

Rotation and Axial Stability

The Moon’s gravitational pull creates a force that helps stabilize Earth’s axial tilt, which currently oscillates between about 22.1 and 24.5 degrees over a 41,000-year cycle. A stable axial tilt is important for maintaining a relatively consistent climate and seasons. Without the Moon’s stabilizing effect, Earth’s axial tilt could become more chaotic over long periods of time, leading to unpredictable climate changes and extreme temperature variations.

Tidal Effects

The Moon’s gravity causes tides on Earth’s oceans. Tides are caused by the gravitational force pulling on the water, creating a bulge on the side facing the Moon and a second bulge on the opposite side. As Earth rotates, these bulges create the familiar high and low tides that influence coastal ecosystems and marine life. Without the Moon’s gravitational pull, tides would be significantly weaker. This could impact marine habitats, nutrient distribution, and tidal ecosystems.

Day and Night Length

The Moon’s gravitational interaction with Earth affects the planet’s rotation. As the Moon’s gravitational pull slows down Earth’s rotation over time, the length of a day increases. Without the Moon’s influence, Earth’s rotation might become more stable but also slightly faster, leading to shorter days and nights over long periods.

Climate Patterns

The Moon’s gravitational effects on the oceans play a role in ocean currents and circulation patterns. These currents help distribute heat around the planet, influencing climate patterns and weather systems. Without the Moon, the absence of strong tides and altered ocean currents could lead to changes in climate patterns, potentially causing shifts in weather and climate zones.

Biological Impacts

The Moon’s gravitational pull also affects the behavior of many animals, including some species that rely on lunar cues for activities like migration and reproduction. Without the Moon, these natural rhythms might be disrupted, impacting various ecosystems and wildlife.

Keep in mind that these are complex interactions, and while we can make educated guesses about the consequences of the Moon’s absence, the exact outcomes could be even more intricate and nuanced.