Scientists develop software to synchronize Earth and Moon time

Chinese scientists have developed the world’s first software designed to synchronize Earth time with lunar time. The technology is expected to become a foundation for navigation, communication, and coordination of future lunar missions.

According to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, clocks on the Moon run about 56 millionths of a second per day faster due to its weaker gravitational field.

The software, called LTE440 (Lunar Time Ephemeris), was developed by researchers at the Purple Mountain Observatory. It accurately calculates the time difference between Earth and the Moon for any future moment and is expected to remain precise for at least 1,000 years.