Why Lunar Time Was Developed
Time does not move at the same rate everywhere in the universe. Because the Moon has weaker gravity than Earth, clocks on its surface run slightly faster—by about 56 microseconds per Earth day—due to effects predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity. While that difference is tiny, it becomes significant over long missions, potentially throwing off navigation, communications, and scientific measurements.

To solve this problem, Chinese scientists developed a new system known informally as “lunar time.” The goal is to create a stable, Moon-based time standard that accounts for relativistic effects and can serve as a reference for spacecraft, lunar landers, and future settlements.

How It Was Created
Researchers built a specialized timekeeping model that factors in the Moon’s gravity, orbital motion, and changing position relative to Earth. Instead of relying only on Earth’s Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the system uses precise astronomical calculations and relativistic corrections to generate a lunar clock that stays synchronized with Earth while remaining accurate on the Moon itself.

This system is delivered through advanced software that continuously adjusts time values to compensate for gravitational differences and orbital dynamics. In practical terms, it provides a way for all lunar missions to “agree” on what time it is on the Moon.

Why Time Runs Faster on the Moon
Gravity affects time. Stronger gravity slows clocks slightly, while weaker gravity allows them to run faster. Because the Moon’s gravity is much weaker than Earth’s, time ticks just a bit more quickly on its surface. Over days and months, those tiny differences add up, making Earth-based time standards increasingly unreliable for lunar operations.

Supporting a Future Moon Base
A permanent lunar base will require precise scheduling for power systems, communications, navigation, and scientific experiments. A lunar time standard ensures that rovers, habitats, and satellites can coordinate reliably without accumulating timing errors that could disrupt operations or jeopardize safety.

Why It Matters for NASA and Global Missions
As NASA’s Artemis program and other international efforts expand lunar exploration, consistent timekeeping will be essential. China’s work contributes to a broader push to establish a universal lunar time standard that all space agencies can use. In the long run, “lunar time” could become as fundamental to Moon operations as UTC is to life on Earth.