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Health & Science2h 49m ago

Laser pulses fired from Earth are being returned by corner-cube reflectors left on the Moon, enabling measurements that show the Moon is receding from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimeters per year.

Moon

Who
Buzz Aldrin, Alan Shepard, David Scott
What
Laser pulses fired from Earth are being returned by corner-cube reflectors left on the Moon, enabling measurements that show the Moon is receding from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimeters per year.
When
Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:45:14 GMT · 2h 49m ago
Where
Moon ·
Why
The corner-cube reflectors were left on the Moon by Apollo astronauts between 1969 and 1971 to facilitate ongoing scientific measurements.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

57 years of measurements confirm the Moon's recession rate, providing precise data on lunar orbital dynamics and the Earth-Moon system.

Story chain

2 events in this thread
  1. Currently Reading2h 49m ago
    Laser pulses fired from Earth are being returned by corner-cube reflectors left on the Moon, enabling measurements that show the Moon is receding from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimeters per year.
  2. Health & Science2h 49m ago
    Laser pulses fired from Earth are being returned by corner-cube reflectors left on the Moon, confirming the Moon is receding from Earth at a rate of 3.8 centimeters per year.
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