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The Moon was much closer to the Earth when it was formed. It's slowly becoming more distant. So the angular size has matched the Sun only for 450 million years
by vardump 1y ago
The Moon was much closer to the Earth when it was formed. It's slowly becoming more distant.
So the angular size has matched the Sun only for 450 million years.
In 50 million years it's angular size will be smaller and total solar eclipses will be impossible.
Note: Due to the Moon's orbit, the whole story is more complicated.
- stared 1y agoI know that. But in this scenario, aliens know the timescale of appearance of life intelligent enough it can appreciate solar eclipse.
- dotancohen 1y agoIt seems we only developed in the last 90% of time during which solar eclipses are possible. Perhaps we're slow compared to our galactic sisters and brothers.