Effects of moon on prehistoric earth

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of the Moon's proximity to Earth 65 million years ago, hypothesizing that a closer Moon, approximately 1,000 miles nearer, could have influenced environmental conditions and the size of prehistoric creatures. Participants reference the Moon's current distance variability, which ranges from 363,104 km to 405,696 km, indicating that a 1,000-mile difference would be negligible compared to its monthly distance fluctuations of about 26,000 miles. The conversation invites insights into studies linking lunar distance to dinosaur existence and extinction.

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  • Understanding of lunar orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with paleontological concepts related to dinosaur biology
  • Knowledge of gravitational effects on large organisms
  • Awareness of historical geological timelines
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  • Research studies on the Moon's impact on Earth's environment during the Mesozoic era
  • Investigate the relationship between gravity and the size of prehistoric creatures
  • Explore lunar distance variations and their historical significance
  • Examine theories regarding the extinction of dinosaurs and contributing environmental factors
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Researchers in planetary science, paleontologists, and anyone interested in the interplay between celestial bodies and prehistoric life on Earth.

Thomas,G
If the moon is expanding its orbit at a rate of one inch per year, that would mean that 65,000,000 years ago it would have been roughly 1,000 miles closer to the earth. Does anyone know of a study that considers how the moon proximety to the Earth at this time may have effected the environment and possibly allowed for the existence and or contributed to the demise of dinosaurs? And what effects on gravity it may have had which may have accounted for the possibility of so many prehistoric creatures being so large?
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Thomas! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Thomas said:
If the moon is expanding its orbit at a rate of one inch per year, that would mean that 65,000,000 years ago it would have been roughly 1,000 miles closer to the earth. Does anyone know of a study that considers how the moon proximety to the Earth at this time may have effected the environment and possibly allowed for the existence and or contributed to the demise of dinosaurs? And what effects on gravity it may have had which may have accounted for the possibility of so many prehistoric creatures being so large?

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon" , the Moon's present distance from Earth varies between 363,104 km and 405,696 km (about 240,000 miles ± 5%).

So I'm afraid a 1,000 miles difference wouldn't really be noticeable. :wink:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
IOW, the Moon presently varies its distance from the Earth by some 26,000 miles every month.
 

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