The Moon is gradually moving farther from Earth, a phenomenon explained by NASA scientists as a result of complex gravitational interactions. Currently, the Moon drifts away at a rate of approximately 4 centimetres per year, a process influenced by tidal forces between the Earth and its satellite. This steady separation, though imperceptible on a human timescale, has profound implications for the Earth-Moon system and its long-term evolution, as per the space agency.

The Role of Tidal Forces in the Moon’s Drift

Earth’s gravitational pull creates bulges in the Moon’s shape, while the Moon’s gravity exerts similar forces on Earth, most notably on its oceans. However, the tidal bulges on Earth lag slightly behind the Moon’s position due to the time it takes for water to respond to gravitational changes, says NASA. This lag generates friction, slowing Earth’s rotation and transferring energy to the Moon, pushing it into a higher orbit.

NASA explains that this interaction causes the Moon to drift and lengthens Earth’s day by about 2 milliseconds per century. Over billions of years, this dynamic exchange of energy has significantly shaped the relationship between the two celestial bodies.

Implications for the Distant Future

If the process continues for another 50 billion years, the Moon’s orbit will become so vast that Earth itself could become tidally locked to the Moon. This would mean that only one hemisphere of Earth would ever see the Moon in the sky. A similar phenomenon is already observed in the Pluto-Charon system, where the two bodies are mutually tidally locked.

While such changes occur on timescales far beyond human experience, they highlight the ongoing evolution of the Earth-Moon system, which began when the Moon formed around 4.5 billion years ago. NASA’s research continues to unravel the complexities of these tidal interactions, offering insights into planetary systems within and beyond our solar system.

A recent study conducted by researchers from The University of Texas, Austin and the University of California, Los Angeles, has given significant insights into how ancient European populations adapted to their environments over 7,000 years. Published in Nature Communications, the research utilised ancient DNA from skeletal remains, applying advanced statistical techniques to detect genetic changes that are absent in modern populations. The analysis spanned historical periods from the Neolithic to the late Roman era, examining over 700 samples sourced from archaeological sites across Europe and parts of modern Russia.

Revealing Evolutionary Changes

Lead researcher Vagheesh Narasimhan, Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology and Statistics at UT Austin, highlighted the significance of the study, stating that ancient DNA provides a direct glimpse into historical populations, bypassing the limitations of modern genetic analyses. Subtle genetic adaptations, often obscured by recombination or population mixing in contemporary genomes, were revealed through the study’s novel methodology.

Key Genetic Adaptations Identified

The findings identified 14 key genomic regions subjected to significant natural selection across different time periods. Traits associated with vitamin D synthesis and lactose tolerance were among those that became prominent during later eras. These adaptations likely played a crucial role in aiding survival in less sunny climates and during periods of food scarcity when dairy products became a vital nutrition source.

Immune Responses and Agricultural Shifts

Selective pressures on immune-related genes were also observed, particularly as populations faced new diseases with the advent of agriculture and societal changes. However, nearly half of the adaptive signals detected in the earliest periods were found to have vanished over time due to factors such as genetic drift or inter-population mixing.

The research sheds light on how environmental challenges shaped human evolution and the eventual disappearance of once-advantageous traits. By studying ancient DNA, the historical dynamics of human adaptation are being pieced together, offering a clearer picture of our evolutionary past.

India’s advanced GSAT-20 satellite has come under the control of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following a successful deployment by SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 rocket. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Tuesday, the satellite aims to enhance broadband connectivity throughout India, with a particular focus on rural and remote regions and the ability to enable in-flight internet services.

Smooth Transition to ISRO’s Master Control Facility

The initial communication and control of GSAT-20 were transferred to ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) in Hassan, Karnataka, early Wednesday. ISRO confirmed that the satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is in good health, and all systems are fully functional. Teams at the MCF are now conducting a series of complex orbital manoeuvres to guide GSAT-20 from its transfer orbit to a geostationary orbit at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometres.

Orbital Adjustment and Testing to Begin

Over the coming days, the satellite’s onboard propulsion system will be used for orbit-raising procedures, a process that is expected to take about two weeks. Once in its final orbit, GSAT-20 will undergo in-orbit testing to verify the performance of its high-capacity Ka-band payload. This payload has the capacity to deliver data transmission speeds up to 48 Gbps, making GSAT-20 India’s most advanced communication satellite to date.

Significance of India’s Connectivity Goals

GSAT-20 represents a significant achievement in India’s satellite communication capabilities. The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that the satellite will play a key role in extending internet services, particularly in regions with limited connectivity options. The collaboration with SpaceX for the launch marks a strategic step in India’s increasing involvement in global space initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The GSAT-20 launch and its operational success reflect India’s expanding technological reach in space communication. As the MCF continues to monitor and adjust the satellite’s positioning, expectations remain high for the positive impact it will bring to India’s connectivity infrastructure.