Introduction

The moon is an enduring presence that has been revolving around the Earth for 4. 46 billion years, whereas the Earth has existed for 4.5 billion years. Over the billions of years, the relationship has evolved to become interdependent - the earth’s gravitational force holds the moon close and the moon’s gravity affects the earth’s tidal waves, days and nights, and even the body clock. The moon’s phases have guided humanity for millennia and the calendar months are roughly equal to the time it takes between one full moon to the next. 

The moon always shows us the same face, yet its size changes every day and how much of the moon we see depends on the moon’s position in relation to the earth and sun. There are many interesting facets of the moon and its effects on Earth’s environment.

Lunar Influence: The various ways the Moon affects Life on Earth

Orbiting about 384,400 kilometres away from the Earth, the moon has immense influence on Earth. The most evident is the light reflected from the moon, which brightens the night sky and even gives us a clear glimpse of distant stars and planets. Even small creatures like the dung beetle rely on moonlight to collect dung efficiently at night. Among marine life, coral and certain species of worms, fish and crabs sense the different moon phases which triggers them to start reproduction. Other environmental influences of the moon on Earth are - 

• Tidal Waves

When the tides roll in and out of the beach, we witness a small cycle that changes the distribution of the planet’s ocean. The Moon and Earth exert gravitational pull on each other, which causes the oceans on Earth to bulge out on both sides that are closest and farthest to the Moon. These bulges create high tides and the low points are created where low tides occur. This process shifts the Earth’s mass, imperceptibly distorting its shape to appear like a rugby ball - elongated at the equator and shortened at the poles.

• Circadian Rhythm

Circadian Rhythm is caused by the day and night cycles that are driven by Earth orbiting the Sun. The Circadian Rhythm causes jet lag and a change in the body clock. The circalunar rhythm is also related to the lunar cycles which are hard to discern even though they affect all types of organisms. 

• The Two Compasses of Crustaceans

Sand hoppers, crabs and other cretaceous sea creatures that stay on the beaches depend on the tidal movements to protect themselves from predators or from being swept into the sea. They have two compasses to help them with orientation and navigation on the beach - a sun compass in their brain and a moon compass in their antennae. These help them stay buried during the day and forage efficiently at night during low tide. 

• The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef has an event called the mass spawning of corals that is triggered by the moon. In this period, billions of coral polyps release their eggs and sperm into the sea. The coral spawning depends on the availability of food, salinity, and temperature. The ideal period is generally right after a full moon between October and December. The visual effect of this coordinated lunar timing can also be seen from space.

• Island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean

Barau’s Petrel is an endangered seabird that breeds on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The time of their pre and post-breeding migration by the length of day and the birds mostly arrive together on full moon. They wait until they have 12.5 hours before flying in or out of the island. It is suggested that they refer to the moon and the day’s length to time their migration. 

• Lunar cycle and reproduction cycle

Invertebrate creatures such as the marine annelid work to regulate their reproduction cycle to match the moon’s phases even though they live in the sea bed and have a lifespan of about seven months. The Mediterranean plant species called joint pine or Mormon tea is a gymnosperm (it includes conifers, cycads and Ginkgo) that relies on insects for pollination. The little cones of the plant have no fragrance or unique scent but they produce fluid droplets that help their pollen stick to passing insects. When moonlight is reflected from the fluid droplets, nocturnal insects such as beetles are attracted to its sparkle and thus the plants can breed. 

Technologies Studying Lunar Impact for Environmental Monitoring

The impact of lunar phenomena on Earth's environment is studied using a variety of technologies and scientific methods. Some key technologies used in this field are - 

1. Satellite Observations: Man-made satellites equipped with specialised sensors monitor changes in Earth’s atmosphere and climate, many of which are influenced by lunar activity. For example, satellites track variations in atmospheric temperature and composition and help us understand their link to lunar cycles.
2. Lunar Seismometers: During the Apollo Mission, Instruments were left on the Moon that provide data on lunar seismic activity. These seismic events help scientists understand more about the Moon’s internal structure and its effect on Earth through gravitational interactions.
3. Ground-Based Telescopes: These telescopes observe lunar features and phenomena in detail. They monitor lunar eclipses and their effects on Earth’s atmosphere.
4. Lunar Laser Ranging: Using this technique, lasers are bounced off retroreflectors placed on the Moon during the Apollo missions. It helps measure the exact distance between the Earth and the Moon and provides data on the Moon’s orbit and its variations over time.
5. Atmospheric Modeling Software: Sophisticated computer models are used to simulate the Earth's atmosphere and how it interacts with lunar cycles. These models help to predict and analyse potential impacts of lunar phenomena on Earth’s environment.
6. High-Precision Clocks and Timing Instruments: These are used to study the effects of tidal forces on Earth. By finding the precise timing of tidal movement scientists understand their effects on Earth’s environment.
7. Geological Surveys and Analysis: Lunar rocks and soils brought back from the Moon help scientists understand the Moon’s composition and history. This provides insights into how lunar impacts influence Earth’s geological processes.
8. Climate and Weather Monitoring Systems: These systems track long-term climate patterns and anomalies, which can be correlated with lunar cycles and events.

Significance of Lunar Research in Environmental Studies

Lunar research has significant direct and indirect implications for environmental studies on Earth. Here are some reasons why lunar research is relevant to environmental science:

1. Understanding Impact Events: Studying the Moon's heavily cratered surface, helps scientists understand the frequency and impact of space debris collisions. Through this, they can assess potential risks to Earth from similar impacts and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
2. Climate Change Insights: The Moon's geological history provides a record of past environmental conditions. By analysing lunar samples, researchers have gained insights into the past of the Earth-Moon origin and how planetary climates have evolved. It has shaped our understanding of long-term climate change processes on Earth.
3. Resource Utilisation: The Moon's resources, such as helium-3, rare earth elements, and water ice, have potential applications for sustainable energy and technology development on Earth. Advances in lunar resource extraction and utilisation could reduce our reliance on Earth-based resources and contribute to more sustainable environmental practices.
4. Comparative Planetology: Studying the Moon helps scientists understand the broader context of planetary geology and environmental conditions. This comparative approach reveals important factors affecting Earth's environment and helps in developing models for environmental management and sustainability.
5. Technology Development: Innovations for lunar exploration, such as advanced materials, life support systems, and recycling technologies, have had direct applications in improving environmental sustainability on Earth. For example, technology for closed-loop life support systems used on the Moon has enhanced waste management and resource efficiency on Earth.
6. Astronomical Observations: The Moon's lack of atmosphere makes it an excellent site for astronomical observations and provides valuable data about the solar system and beyond. Understanding cosmic phenomena and solar activity helps in predicting space weather’s impact on Earth's environment, satellite systems and communication.

Lunar research provides valuable data and technological advancements that can enhance our understanding of Earth's environmental processes, improve sustainability, and mitigate potential risks from space-related events.