While some studies suggest a correlation between COVID-19 lockdowns and a slight drop in lunar temperatures, the scientific community is still debating whether a causal link exists.
Here's a breakdown of the situation:
- The Claim: A 2024 study in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters claimed that reduced human activity during lockdowns led to a decrease in Earth's outgoing radiation, causing a slight cooling on the moon.
- The Counterargument: A more recent study by researchers at Missouri S&T and the University of West Indies (UWI) in St. Louis found that the temperature drop began before the lockdowns and that a similar drop occurred in 2018, suggesting other factors may be at play.
- The Ongoing Debate: While the initial study suggests a possible link, the counterargument highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for further research to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.
Key Points to Consider:
- Earthshine: The moon's nighttime temperature is influenced by "Earthshine," the radiation emitted by our planet.
- Correlation vs. Causation: Just because two events occur together doesn't mean one caused the other.
- Multiple Factors: Lunar temperatures can be affected by various factors, including solar activity and seasonal variations.
Conclusion:
While the idea that COVID-19 lockdowns affected lunar temperatures is intriguing, more research is needed to confirm a causal link. The scientific community is still exploring the issue, and further studies may shed more light on this fascinating phenomenon.