The Moon's Close Encounter with Dinosaurs: How Big was the Moon During the Age of Dinosaurs?

The Moon's journey through time is marked by significant changes in its size and distance from Earth. Surprisingly, it was not that much bigger during the age of dinosaurs, despite the Moon's ever-growing distance from our planet. This article explores the fascinating journey of the Moon during the Mesozoic era and its impact on dinosaurs.

Understanding the Moon's Journey

First, it is important to understand that the Moon is slowly moving away from Earth. This is due to tidal interactions, a process that occurs at an average rate of about 3.78 centimeters per year. For reference, this is roughly the same rate at which your fingernails grow. As a result, if we rewind the clock to the appearance of dinosaurs 245 million years ago, the Moon would be approximately 9300 kilometers closer to Earth, which is about 2.4 times its current distance.

The Moon's Size and Distance During the Age of Dinosaurs

During the Mesozoic era, which spanned approximately 165 million years from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period, the Moon was indeed closer to the Earth. Estimates suggest that the Moon was about 10-15% closer to Earth during this time than it is today. This proximity made the Moon appear slightly larger in the sky. However, the Moon's actual size, with a diameter of about 3474 kilometers, has remained constant since its formation approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Therefore, while the Moon would have looked larger due to its closer proximity, its physical size remains unchanged.

A Visual Comparison

The Moon subtends about 0.52 degrees as seen from Earth today. In the early Triassic period, when dinosaurs first appeared, the Moon would have been about 0.53 degrees across, essentially the same size. If we further rewind to the Late Triassic, about 230 million years ago, the Moon would have looked significantly larger, around 2.3 times its current size. By 65 million years ago, the Moon would have appeared about 65% larger due to its proximity to Earth.

Other Lunar Experiences

Beyond the size and distance of the Moon, it is intriguing to consider that during the age of dinosaurs, other celestial bodies may have occasionally influenced Earth's skies. For example, temporary moons, such as the Chicxulub Impactor, or even rings, might have appeared in our sky. These transient phenomena would have added another layer of complexity to the lives of dinosaurs, potentially affecting their behaviors and survival strategies.

Impact on Dinosaur Behavior

While the physical Moon's size has remained constant, its closer proximity during the age of dinosaurs would have influenced the natural environment, particularly during full moons. Imagine a full moon during that time: dinosaurs might have hidden in fear, as light from the Moon would have illuminated vast landscapes, making it easier for scavengers to find their prey.

Conclusion

The Moon's journey through time is a fascinating subject, particularly when considering its impact on life on Earth. While its size has remained constant, its proximity to Earth during the age of dinosaurs made the Moon appear larger and more significant. This knowledge adds to our understanding of the natural world and the environments in which dinosaurs lived. The Moon's ever-changing relationship with Earth serves as a constant reminder of the dynamic nature of the universe.

Keywords

dinosaur era moon, moon during dinosaurs, moon's distance