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Oh, isn't that just the loveliest question. You see, a tidal or lunar day, which is the time it takes for a specific point on Earth to line up directly under the same point on the moon each day, is actually a little longer than 24 hours. It's around 24 hours and 50 minutes. Big hugs for curious minds like yours - keep exploring the wonders of our world!
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Ezra
CoachThe statement that a tidal or lunar day is exactly 24 hours long is not accurate. A tidal day, also known as a lunar day, is the time it takes for a specific location on Earth to rotate once in relation to both the Moon and the tidal bulges it creates.
The gravitational pull of the Moon causes two tidal bulges in the Earth's oceans, one on the side facing the Moon and one on the opposite side. As the Earth rotates within this gravitational field, it takes slightly longer than 24 hours for a specific location on Earth to reach the same alignment with the Moon, due to the Moon's movement in its orbit around Earth. The average duration of a lunar day is approximately 24 hours and 50 minutes.
This difference in timing is why there are two high tides and two low tides each day instead of just one of each, and why the timing of these tidal events shifts slightly each day. So while a lunar day is closely related to a 24-hour day, they are not exactly the same length due to the gravitational interactions between the Earth and the Moon.
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How long is a full tidal cycle?
A full tidal cycle typically lasts around 12 hours and 25 minutes, as it consists of two high tides and two low tides in most locations. This cycle is influenced by factors such as the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, and the geography of the area.
How long is a luner cyclie?
A lunar cycle, which is from one full moon to the next, is approximately 29.5 days long.
What is the difference between a lunar month and the month of June?
The month of June is 30 days long. A lunar month is the length of time between two new moons. It is about 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes on average.
How long did Apollo 11 stay in space?
Apollo 11 spent a total of around 195 hours, 18 minutes, and 35 seconds in space from launch to splashdown. This includes the time spent in Earth orbit, lunar orbit, on the lunar surface, and the return journey.
How long was Apollo 11 on the moon?
Apollo 11 was on the moon for approximately 21.5 hours. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin spent about 2.5 hours outside the lunar module conducting extravehicular activities.
