Effects of the Moon on the Earth in the Past, Present and Future

Abstract

The Moon has fascinated human civilization for millennia. Exploration of the lunar surface played a pioneering role in space exploration, epitomizing the heights to which modern science could bring mankind. In the decades since then, human interest in the Moon has dwindled. Despite this fact, the Moon continues to affect the Earth in ways that seldom receive adequate recognition. This paper examines the ways in which our natural satellite is responsible for the tides, and also produces a stabilizing effect on Earth’s rotational axis. In addition, phenomena such as lunar phases, eclipses and lunar libration will be explained. While investigating the Moon’s effects on the Earth in the past and present, it is hoped that human interest in it will be revitalized as it continues to shape life on our blue planet.