The moon was 31 feet closer to Earth in 1776 — and served as a clock, calendar and streetlight
By
Stefanie Waldek
Summary
The article explores how the moon has changed since 1776, noting that it was about 31 feet closer to Earth on July 4, 1776, than it is today. It explains that the moon is currently drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 cm per year, and discusses the historical and cultural significance of the moon as a clock, calendar, and streetlight for people in the 18th century.
Source
Twitter / XThe moon was 31 feet closer to Earth in 1776 — and served as a clock, calendar and streetlightspace.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledAfter Americans declared independence on July 4, 1776, a waning gibbous moon rose in the night sky.
250 years ago, the moon was about 31 feet (9.4 meters) closer to Earth than it is now.
The moon is currently drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 centimeters [1.5 inches] per year, which is coincidentally roughly the same speed at which our fingernails grow.
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