By: A-Quest-for-Creation-Answers
Revision: April 17, 2005 (9.0)
Copyright © 1998-2008 James D. Dwyer
Email: quest@creation-answers.com
Reference: www.creation-answers.com
You may freely copy or distribute this material.
(Not to be sold).
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It seems to be significant that related time design can be interpreted from the mechanical makeup of the Earth and Moon pair. Furthermore, a degree of functional design seems apparent from their material composition.
To document the stated attribute of time design, modern measurements of the spin and orbital cycles indicate the following rates:
The subsequent sections will explore possible significance in these environmental time cycles--where it is apparent that solar days, synodic months, and solar years very closely interface with designed time structures.
The Earth-Moon system is puzzling and seems to defy an interpretation of comprising a system that is functionally related.
There are a few interesting conjunctions to wonder about--such as when two cycles comprised of the rates of either solar days, synodic months, or solar years have the same length. It here seems that certain time structures are uniquely defined when the rates of either days, months, or years periodically conjoin or interface together.
One such time structure (a perfect structure) is defined by an ongoing progression of 7 lunar months.
A cycle of 7 synodic months--when cycled 7 times--can be recognized to revolve into rather perfect alignment with the same spin-phase of the rotating Earth. Essentially, a rate of whole days (1447 solar days) appears to precisely align with or come into conjunction with 7 sets of 7 lunar months (or 49 synodic months).
Note that 1447 solar days divided by the rate of the synodic-month cycle, or 29.53059 days, is equal to 49.0000 lunar months.
The following diagram attempts to more fully illustrate that a cycle of 7 lunar months (cycled 7 times) very closely interfaces with the rate of the rotation of the Earth:
____________________________________________________
Number Of
THE INTERFACE OF 49 SYNODIC MONTHS * Earth's
Rotations
____________________________________ _________
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 206.714
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 413.428
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 620.143
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 826.856
29 30 31 32 33 34 35 1033.571
36 37 38 39 40 41 42 1240.285
43 44 45 46 47 48 49 1446.999
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* -- Earth's rotation aligns with 49 lunar months.
It seems possible to interpret that the cited Earth-Moon interface (a precise interface at 49 Moons) could represent interrelated time design. (The modern rate of 49 synodic months happens to almost be perfect relative to the same spin-phase of Earth's rotation).
Of signficance concerning Earth's interface with 49 Moons is that the record of prior eclipses remarkably indicates that the spin of the Earth was perfectly synchronized with the rate of 49 Moons in the not too distant past. (The previous time when the rate of Earth's spin may have been perfectly aligned with the rate of 49 Moons is more fully detailed in Chapter Three).
Not too many perfectly defined time structures (such as the cited time structure comprised of 7 lunar months) can be interpreted from the current spin-orbital rates. Nevertheless, it remains to be significant that the Earth-Moon inherently does define certain time structures that appear to be absolutely perfect. (Because time structures that are fully perfect can actually be interpreted from the past and present spin-orbital rates then it becomes more plausible to at least suspect that the Earth-Moon may represent an interrelated system).
Here, it seems pertinent to note that a single conjunction cycle is not fully convincing evidence of a system that is functionally related. This is because any two time cycles progressing at different rates eventually come into conjunction. This means that before any fully satisfactory interpretation of an intelligently ordered Earth-Moon can be arrived at then more of a characteristic of functional interrelatedness needs to be recognized from out of the spin-orbital rates. Fortunately, this kind of interpretation can actually be made, and--remarkably--the rates of solar days, synodic months, and solar years can rather convincingly be demonstrated to comprise a time-tracking system that is functionally related. The remainder of this chapter will then attempt to make clear that the Earth-Moon system can (and probably should) be interpreted as a system that is fully interrelated.
Another good example of the Earth and the Moon as an interrelated system can be recited in a time cycle of seven years. (This respective cycle has been used to track time with for literally thousands of years and consequently it is somewhat remarkable that this inherently defined time circuit is illustrative of an intelligently ordered system).
In documenting what appears to be a perfect cross-reference between the rate of the synodic month and the rate of 7 solar years, it is significant that each lunar quarter is equal in length to 7.38265 days (on the average).
A plausible Earth-Moon model seems easy to achieve based upon the somewhat peculiar unit of the lunar quarter. It is here significant that the synodic month defines a unique quarter-phase cycle as it passes through the following four specific phases: (1) New phase (when the Moon is fully dark); (2) First-quarter phase (when the Moon is one-half illuminated); (3) Full phase (when the Moon is wholly illuminated); and (4) Last-quarter phase (when the Moon is again one-half illuminated--but on the alternate side.)
For the purposes of presenting a clear analysis, the unit of the lunar quarter will hereafter be referred to as the lunar week. It is here significant that the unit of the lunar week (the lunar quarter) is equal in length to 7.38265 days (on the average). The lunar week is consequently a bit longer (or slower) than an ordinary week of 7.00000 days.
The following calendar diagram illustrates how a progression of 7 sets of 7 years seems to relate to an amazing progression of 7 sets of 7 lunar weeks:
Note that a leap week each 3rd year is required
to adjust the cited calendar count of lunar weeks
into alignment with the solar year.
7-Year Number Number of At Each
Segment of Years Lunar Weeks 7th Year
------- -------- ----------------- --------
1. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
2. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
3. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
4. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
5. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
6. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
7. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
------- -------- ----------------- --------
50th yr 1 7 times 7
The diagram shows that a calendar of lunar weeks
is possible. The calendar shown requires the leap
of a lunar week each 3rd year (a perpetual rate).
The diagram attempts to make clear the existence of a cross-reference between a grid of 7-year cycles and a grid of lunar weeks. Because this cross-reference does exist then the achievement of an effective calendar of lunar weeks is possible (as is further shown below).
Note that--throughout 7 sets of 7 years--each calendar segment of 7 years can be equated to a fixed lunar-week count of 7 times 7 times 7. (The fiftieth year is uniquely defined and delimited by a lunar week count of 7 times 7).
It is very noteworthy that a calendar count of 7 times 7 years (or the jubilee cycle) seems to be explicitly outlined within biblical and associated ancient texts. (For additional information of this remarkable lunar cross-reference, refer to the online publication entitled: 'A Significant Jubilee Cycle').
Because a 7-year model (as diagrammed above) can satisfactorily be interpreted from out of the spin-orbital rates, it becomes more plausible to at least suspect that the Earth-Moon may represent a fully interrelated system.
A degree of interrelatedness between the rate of the synodic month and the rate of the solar year is obvious in the regard that a common denominator (the lunar quarter) can be extracted from both rates. A systems view of the Earth-Moon--expressed in units of lunar weeks--initially might seem to be a bit on the odd side. Nevertheless--and amazingly so--a fixed count of weeks nicely interfaces with the rate of the solar year (as is further documented below). Ultimately, the lunar quarter (or the lunar week) seems to be the only possible common denominator that is available to effectively subdivide the rate of the solar year.
The reoccurring lunar-week unit (or the lunar quarter) can be recognized to interface with a time grid comprised of 7-year cycles--as is shown in the previously presented section.
Of related signficance is that a calendar count of the lunar week can likewise be recognized to correspond with the rate of each passing solar year (on the average).
The following diagram attempts to illustrate that a time grid of lunar weeks can very closely be correlated or cross-referenced to a time grid of solar years:
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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LUNAR WEEK
(a calendar of lunar weeks is possible)
_______________________________________
Note that a leap week occurring
each 3 years is not shown in
this calendar chart.
Seven-Year Cycle Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 1 - - Segment 2 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week At 7th Year... + 1 week
Seven-Year Cycle Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 3 - - Segment 4 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week At 7th Year... + 1 week
Seven-Year Cycle Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 5 - - Segment 6 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week At 7th Year... + 1 week
Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 7 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week
___________________________
Jubilee Year
Year 50 = 49 lunar weeks
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It should be clear that when the count of one lunar week each and every 3rd year (the X1 rate) is subtracted from out of a streaming count of lunar weeks (or lunar quarters), a jubilee calendar comprised of lunar weeks is the inherent result. Essentially, a streaming count of lunar weeks (or lunar quarters) can be used to precisely define each year of a 50-year cycle.
Note that each calendar year--on the average--is equal to 365.2442 days and this length compares almost perfectly with the rate of the solar circle or year--which completes in 365.2422 days.
Thus, it seems to be of considerable significance to a study of interrelated time design that an effective annual calendar is the inherent result of counting 7 lunar weeks.
For pertinent information that exposes more of the significance inherent in a cycle of 7 lunar weeks, refer to the following online publications:
Interrelated time design can additionally be interpreted from a quarter-cycle interface--where the quarter phase of the Moon (or the lunar week) can be demonstrated to exist in cross-reference with the quarter phases of the annual cycle.
The following diagram attempts to illustrate that--in the domain of the previously cited lunar-week calendar--a count of lunar weeks can be correlated to each passing season of the year:
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A SEASONAL COUNT OF LUNAR WEEKS
___________________________________________________
Season 1 Season2 Season 3 Season 4
________ _______ ________ ________
1 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 (year 1)
1 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 (year 2)
1 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 (year 3)
___________________________________________________
A seasonal count of lunar weeks (as shown) is valid
in the context of the previously diagrammed jubilee
calendar.
The cited interpretation of a seasonal interface is that within the framework of the jubilee cycle the boundary of each passing annual quarter can effectively be cross-referenced to a grid of lunar weeks (a quarter-year interface).
The cited interpretation of the annual progression revolves upon boundaries of the season, the year, and ultimately three years (where these boundaries all correspond and align to fixed counts of lunar weeks).
In summary to the above section, it isn't difficult to demonstrate the existence of what appears to be interrelated time design between the annual quarter cycle (or 91.31055 days) and the lunar quarter (or 7.38265 days).
Note that the cited calendar count of 1 + 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 lunar weeks + 1/3 lunar week + 7/50 lunar week is equal to 49.473333 lunar weeks on an annual basis--or is equal to 91.31105 days on a seasonal basis. Thus, it is clear that the cited jubilee calendar of lunar weeks inherently aligns with the epoch of each passing annual season--which is equal to 91.31055 days in length.
Of additional significance is that the indicated seasonal boundary can be recognized to have once existed in perfect alignment with a count of lunar weeks. Essentially, an exact lunar week alignment is indicated to have occurred in millennia of the past.
The time in the past when a calendar of lunar weeks did exist in exact alignment with the seasonal and annual boundaries is more fully detailed in the subsequently presented Chapter Four.
The previous sections have attempted to show that the Earth-Moon may represent an interrelated system.
It is here significant that both the synodic month and the solar year alike appear to share a same peculiar common denominator--which is the length of the lunar-quarter or the lunar week. Note that the lunar quarter or lunar week reoccurs in a time interval of 7.38265 days--over average time.
Fixed counts of lunar weeks appear to result in boundaries or delimiters which rather perfectly align with seasons and solar years. The indicated alignment between the lunar week and the solar year can thus be interpreted as possible evidence of interrelated time design.
A characteristic of 7-squared order can ultimately be interpreted from interfacing boundaries of solar days, lunar weeks, lunar months, and solar years.
This characteristic (7-squared order) seems easy to recognize from a time cycle of 49 lunar months. This respective cycle is well defined through a conjunction with the rotation of the Earth. Essentially, the spin-rate (a spin-rate of 1447 whole days) rather perfectly interfaces with the rate of 49 lunar months.
Note that 1447 days divided by the rate of the synodic-month cycle, or 29.53059 days, is equal to 49.0000 lunar months.
Thus, the two rates (Earth's spin-rate and the synodic-month rate) can be recited to reoccur in interface together at the distance of each 49 synodic months.
The modern rate of 49 synodic months is almost perfect with the same spin-phase of Earth's rotation. However, based upon the record of prior eclipses, it can be predicted that perfect synchronization may have once existed in the not too distant past. This previous perfect Earth-Moon alignment is more fully detailed in Chapter Three.
The cited characteristic of 7-squared order can further be recited throughout a time track of 7 sets of 7 years. It here seems remarkable that amid a jubilee time grid (comprised of 7 sets of 7 years) the length of each and every year of the cycle can be correlated to a fixed count of 7 sets of 7 lunar weeks.
The following diagram illustrates the remarkable correlation between 7 sets of 7 lunar weeks and 7 sets of 7 years:
Note that a leap week each 3rd year is required
to adjust the cited calendar count of lunar weeks
into alignment with the solar year.
7-Year Number Number of At Each
Segment of Years Lunar Weeks 7th Year
------- -------- ----------------- --------
1. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
2. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
3. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
4. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
5. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
6. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
7. 7 7 times 7 times 7 + 1 week
------- -------- ----------------- --------
50th yr 1 7 times 7
It is clear that a cross-reference is inherent between a grid of 7-year cycles and a grid of lunar weeks. An accurate annual calendar can consequently be correlated to a time grid of 7 sets of 7 lunar-weeks (or 7 sets of 7 lunar quarters). Essentially, each and every calendar year of a jubilee cycle of years can precisely be correlated to a fixed count of 49 lunar weeks.
Each calendar year--as is defined through the cited grid of lunar weeks--achieves an average rate of 365.24 days. (The average calendar rate in modern times is thus only minutely different from the actual length of the solar year--which is 365.24 days). It is here noteworthy that--when compensated for the slowing spin of the Earth--the annual count of lunar weeks can be predicted to have previously existed in perfect interface with the annual cycle. (This remarkable interface is further explained in Chapter Four).
In summary to the above, it doesn't seem unreasonable to interpret that the Earth-Moon may represent an interrelated system. The spin-orbital rates--when transliterated to the position of an observer stationed on the Earth--seem to mirror an attribute of functional time design. From this unique perspective--that of an observer on the Earth--it seems quite plausible to interpret that solar days, synodic months, and solar years could all be components of an interrelated system.
It is noteworthy that the very unique jubilee time structure is implicitly and explicitly described in biblical and associated historical texts. Additional information is summarized in the online publication: 'A Significant Jubilee Cycle'.
For additional significant information concerning possible interrelatedness of the Earth-Moon, refer to the following online articles:
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Current measurements of the Earth-Moon system reveal that the rate of the rotation of the Earth is gradually slowing down. (Obviously, this gradual shift ultimately will alter existing interrelationships as time progresses).
The current and subsequent chapters will supply information concerning how design is altered by the passage of time, and specifically will detail the phenomenon of a gradual change in the length of the day.
Reliable almanac statistics for the Sun and the Moon can be computed from data collected at a fixed location on the globe (such as at an astronomical observatory).
Over average time the Sun rises according to a regular interval of 24 hours (actually a tiny fraction different from 24 hours as further explained below). Also over average time, the Moon passes through a complete synodic cycle in 29.53059 solar days, and the annual cycle routinely completes each 365.2422 days.
It is pertinent to note, based upon modern measurements, that these rates are slowly changing with time. It seems over average time that the rotational spin of the Earth is slowing down by a fractional amount each century. This equates to a fractional increase in the length of the day with each passing century (and a simultaneous fractional decrease in the day counts of the lunar and annual cycles--as further explained below).
According to the U.S. Naval Observatory (Time Services):
"The Earth is constantly undergoing a deceleration caused by the braking action of the tides. Through the use of ancient observations of eclipses, it is possible to determine the deceleration of the Earth to be roughly 1-3 milliseconds per day per century. This is an effect which causes the Earth's rotational time to slow with respect to the atomic clock time. Since it has been nearly 1 century since the defining epoch (i.e. the ninety year difference between 1990 and 1900), the difference is roughly 2 miliseconds per day. Other factors also affect the Earth, some in unpredictable ways, so that it is necessary to monitor the Earth's rotation continuously... ".
This indicated very small change in the rotational spin of the Earth is meticulously monitored by the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) in Paris. According to the IERS:
"Universal time and length of day [LOD] are subject to variations due to the zonal tides (smaller than 2.5 ms in absolute value), to oceanic tides (smaller than 0.03 ms in absolute value), to atmospheric circulation, to internal effects and to transfer of angular momentum to the Moon orbital motion."
The changing spin of the Earth can be verified from atomic clock measurements.
Atomic clocks were first put into wide use only a few decades ago and within this short span of time it has been necessary to insert a number of leap seconds into civil time based upon the atomic clock (TAI).
According to the U.S. Naval Observatory (Time Services):
"In order to keep the cumulative difference... less than 0.9 seconds, a leap second is added to the atomic time to decrease the difference between the two. This leap second can be either positive or negative depending on the Earth's rotation. Since the first leap second in 1972, all leap seconds have been positive. This reflects the general slowing trend of the Earth due to tidal braking.
Confusion sometimes arises over the misconception that the regular insertion of leap seconds every few years indicates that the Earth should stop rotating within a few millennia. The confusion arises because some mistake leap seconds for a measure of the rate at which the Earth is slowing. The one-second increments are, however, indications of the accumulated difference in time between the two systems. As an example, the situation is similar to what would happen if a person owned a watch that lost two seconds per day. If it were set to a perfect clock today, the watch would be found to be slow by two seconds tomorrow. At the end of a month, the watch will be roughly a minute in error (thirty days of two second error accumulated each day). The person would then find it convenient to reset the watch by one minute to have the correct time again.
This scenario is analogous to that encountered with the leap second. The difference is that instead of setting the clock that is running slow, we choose to set the clock that is keeping a uniform, precise time. The reason for this is that we can change the time on an atomic clock while it is not possible to alter the Earth's rotational speed to match the atomic clocks! Currently the Earth runs slow at roughly 2 milliseconds per day. After 500 days, the difference between the Earth rotation time and the atomic time would be one second. Instead of allowing this to happen, a leap second is inserted to bring the two times closer together."
The following table is based upon atomic clock measurements and shows the number of leap seconds required into civil time. These leap seconds are based upon a difference in the rate of the rotation of the Earth and a constant time based upon atomic clocks.
___________________________________
Date Of Cumulative Seconds
Leap Second * (UTI minus TAI)
___________ ___________________
1961 JAN 1 1.4228180
1961 AUG 1 1.3728180
1962 JAN 1 1.8458580
1963 NOV 1 1.9458580
1964 JAN 1 3.2401300
1964 APR 1 3.3401300
1964 SEP 1 3.4401300
1965 JAN 1 3.5401300
1965 MAR 1 3.6401300
1965 JUL 1 3.7401300
1965 SEP 1 3.8401300
1966 JAN 1 4.3131700
1968 FEB 1 4.2131700
1972 JAN 1 10.0
1972 JUL 1 11.0
1973 JAN 1 12.0
1974 JAN 1 13.0
1975 JAN 1 14.0
1976 JAN 1 15.0
1977 JAN 1 16.0
1978 JAN 1 17.0
1979 JAN 1 18.0
1980 JAN 1 19.0
1981 JUL 1 20.0
1982 JUL 1 21.0
1983 JUL 1 22.0
1985 JUL 1 23.0
1988 JAN 1 24.0
1990 JAN 1 25.0
1991 JAN 1 26.0
1992 JUL 1 27.0
1993 JUL 1 28.0
1994 JUL 1 29.0
1996 JAN 1 30.0
1997 JUL 1 31.0
1999 JAN 1 32.0
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* -- IERS data
Essentially, based upon the rate of the rotation of the Earth (and atomic clock measurements), thirty-two leap seconds have been determined in comparison with the precise definition of the length of one second. This precise definition of the second is oriented to the epoch (which is the beginning of the twentieth century).
The following paragraph--borrowed from the Naval Observatory--explains the specific definition of one second (and the peculiar epoch at the beginning of the twentieth century):
"Civil time is occasionally adjusted by one second increments to insure that the difference between a uniform time scale defined by atomic clocks does not differ from the Earth's rotational time by more than 0.9 seconds. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), an atomic time, is the basis for our civil time.
In 1956, following several years of work, two astronomers at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) and two astronomers at the National Physical Laboratory (Teddington, England) determined the relationship between the frequency of the cesium atom (the standard of time) and the rotation of the Earth at a particular epoch. As a result, they defined the second of atomic time as the length of time required for 9,192,631,770 cycles of radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium 133 atom at zero magnetic field.
The second thus defined was equivalent to the second defined by the fraction 1/31,556,925.9747 of the year 1900. The atomic second was set equal, then, to an average second of Earth rotation time near the turn of the 20th century."
The rotation of the Earth since the turn of the twentieth century is thus indicated to be slowing down. Throughout this century, the length of the day has increased by an average amount of about 0.002 seconds. This seems to be a very small amount of time, but--because this increase applies to a daily spin rate (where currently in one revolution a time difference of about 2 milliseconds is produced... and in two revolutions a time difference of 4 milliseconds is produced... and in three revolutions a time difference of 6 milliseconds is produced... and so on)--this time difference cumulates day-after-day, and as time progresses, a respective position on the globe requires a greater and greater amount of time to 'catch-up' with the same position in the past.
If during the run of the next ten centuries (or one millennium), the length of the day hypothetically increased at the rate of 0.002 seconds per century then this increase becomes equal to 0.020 seconds of increase by the end of the one-thousand years (0.002 seconds per century times 10 centuries is equal to 0.020 seconds of increase). Because there are roughly 365,000 spins of the Earth in one thousand years then the total number of catch-up seconds required become equal to 4,015 seconds as shown in the following diagram:
_________________________________________________________
Century Approximate Approximate Approximate
Date Increase In Number of Increase for
Length of One Earth's Spins the Century
Day (Seconds) in the Century (Seconds)
_______ _____________ ______________ ____________
2000 0.002 36,500 73
2100 0.004 36,500 146
2200 0.006 36,500 219
2300 0.008 36,500 292
2400 0.010 36,500 365
2500 0.012 36,500 438
2600 0.014 36,500 511
2700 0.016 36,500 584
2800 0.018 36,500 657
2900 0.020 36,500 730
________________________________________________________
Span = 10 Centuries Increase-of-day = 0.020 Seconds
Spins = 365,500 Total-time-increase = 4,015 Seconds
As this hypothetical example illustrates, a slow down in the daily rotation of the Earth at the rate of 0.002 seconds per century seems small and insignificant, but this small change has a very significant cumulative effect over time. In the cited example, 4,015 seconds (or 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 55 seconds) would need to be leaped from civil time (in order to keep the rotation of the Earth positioned into a 24 hour clock window). (For additional information, refer to the Appendices).
It should be clear from information presented in the section above that modern clocks are based exactly upon 24 hours per day (or 86,400 seconds per day) and that the rotation of the Earth currently expires a bit in excess of 24 hours per day. Thus, atomic clocks--oriented to the precise definition of one second--define each day to be precisely 86,400 seconds--and yet the Earth's rotation doesn't exactly keep pace with the clock.
This deviation throughout the current twentieth century raises a question concerning how much the Earth's spin has changed throughout previous centuries and millennia?
Obviously, atomic clock data isn't available from centuries gone by. Rather than clock data, eclipse data is available. (Note that the record of an eclipse from a specific location on the globe reflects the time and location of a prior Earth and Moon alignment).
It is here significant that modern astronomers have studied hundreds of ancient eclipses. The times and the locations of these prior Earth-Moon alignments adequately reflect that the spin of the Earth has slowed throughout prior millennia.
Stephenson and collaborators have produced numerous publications concerning ancient eclipses and the slowing of Earth's spin. For more information concerning modern research into historic eclipses, refer to Appendix C.
Some scientists believe that the rate of the Earth's rotation can be determined all the way back into previous geologic ages based upon coral records. Essentially, because coral keeps a record of how much it grows (like tree rings) then the coral growth record can be used to determine when it grew and by how much.
For example, coral from Pennsylvanian rock beds have about 387 daily layers per year, while coral from the Devonian rock beds have about 400 daily layers per year.
This indicates that from approximately 300 to 400 million years ago the annual cycle ranged from 387 to 400 days in length (an annual cycle strangely different from the present annual cycle of 365 days).
For additional information on prior changes in the Earth-Moon configuration, refer to the online document entitled: 'The Slowing Spin of the Earth'. Also refer to Chapter Four, and to Appendix D, of the current document.
_________________________________________________________
The synodic month now elapses in 29.53059 days, and the solar year completes in 365.24219 days--as has previously been shown. These modern rates raise question concerning how the spin-orbits might have shifted, or changed, throughout previous time eras.
The indicated shift of these rates from (recent) historic times into the more distant geologic past is of particular interest in the regard that perfect time design can ultimately be interpreted.
The current chapter will then focus upon the phenomenon of the changing trends in the spin-orbits and will explore just when in the past certain time cycles did conjoin together in fully perfect interface.
Based upon the content of the previous chapter, it should be clear that the spin rate of the Earth has drifted--by a predictable amount--away from a previous spin rate. (It seems obvious that the spin rate of the Earth has changed by a tiny amount over the prior four-thousand years). What here is remarkable is that Earth's spin may have been perfectly aligned with 49 synodic periods of the Moon in the recent past.
To cite this respective Earth-Moon alignment, it is significant that the current rate of Earth's spin inherently aligns with or comes into close conjunction with the synodic period of the Moon at the rate of every 49 lunar months. Essentially, the passage of 7 sets of 7 months (or 49 synodic months) is almost exactly divisible by a whole number of rotations of the Earth. (Note that--in this modern era--1447 days divided by 29.53059 days/month = 49.0000 months)
The existence of this very close interface in these modern times tends to indicate or reflect a time in the recent past when the cited interface may have been fully perfect. In other words, a cycle of 49 synodic months may have perfectly interfaced with the rate of the rotation of the Earth in the recent past. Consequently, the close current interface may point to a previous time when the rate of the rotation of the Earth did perfectly interface with 49 synodic months.
The present-day conjunction at 49 months--though extremely close--may have shifted out of alignment by an extremely small amount. Essentially, the two rates (the spinning Earth and the orbiting Moon) seem to reflect intelligent time design--where the modern rates point to a time in the recent past when 49 Moons occurred in a perfect alignment with the rate of the rotation of the Earth.
Notice from the previous section that 7 sets of 7 lunar months are about equivalent to the length of 1447 days (on the average). It is here significant that 7 sets of 7 lunar months can be predicted to have once existed in fully perfect interface with a whole-number set of days (or 1447.0000 days). The cited interpretation of a fully perfect Earth-Moon interface in the recent past can well be documented from the record of prior eclipses.
To demonstrate a time when 49 lunar months did perfectly interface with the rate of Earth's spin, the spin of the Earth must ultimately be correlated to the orbital rate of the Moon of the past. Because 49 synodic months can be predicted to have elapsed in 1447.0000 days at sometime in the past (as is further shown below) then a target rate of 29.53061 days per synodic month is ultimately indicated (where 1447 days divided by 49 lunar months is equivalent to 29.53061 days per month). Essentially, a perfect Earth-Moon interface could have existed at a time in the past when the synodic month was equivalent to no more or less than 29.53061 days.
In this modern era, the rate of 49 lunar months does just about perfectly interface with the rate of the rotation of the Earth, and in the recent past the rate of 49 lunar months can be predicted to have perfectly interfaced with the rate of the rotation of the Earth.
Here, it is necessary to consider that a determination of the time in the past when the synodic month was 29.53061 days has to account for orbital variations of both the Earth and the Moon (which are poorly known). Even though the spin of the Earth is indicated to slow with time, the rate of Earth's spin can be predicted to increase in those eras when less ice exists in the polar regions. Furthermore, it is manifest on the basis of modern studies that the Moon in its orbit experiences an acceleration effect from Earth's tides. Consequently, due to the acceleration effect, the distance between Earth and Moon appears to be increasing by the average amount of an inch and a half each year. This means that--as the Moon moves farther from the Earth--more time is required for the Moon to complete an orbit.
For pertinent information concerning the definition of the synodic revolution of the Moon in prior geologic eras, refer to the following online publication: 'The Slowing Spin of the Earth'.
Thus, if the Moon is changing in its orbit relative to the variable spin of the Earth, the definition of the synodic month (in terms of the Earth spins) can be recognized to periodically approach the cited target rate (29.53061 days).
Based upon modern measurements, and also based upon the occurrences of ancient eclipses, contemporary astronomers have cataloged the phases of the Moon.
An analysis of the length of prior synodic months (based upon Fred Espenak's '5000 Year Catalog of the Phases of the Moon') shows that--throughout the past 4000 years--the length of the synodic month has changed little. Essentially, from 2000 BCE, the average definition of the synodic month can be equated to about 29.53060 days (on the average).
It is here significant--based upon cataloged phases of the Moon--that the cited target rate of the synodic month (29.53061 days) appears to have occurred in recent historic times. (For pertinent information concerning the historic definition of the synodic month, refer to the subsequently presented Appendix F).
To illustrate the required amount of shift for a perfect interface of 29.53061 days per synodic month, the following diagram is presented. The diagram illustrates the duration and the amount of time change required between the current spin rate of the Earth, and the current synodic revolution of the Moon:
___________________________________________________
Number Of Years in Relative Increase in
the Past When Earth's the Length of One
Rotation May Have Lunar Day (in Seconds
Existed in Perfect Per Century).
Interface With 49
Lunar Cycles.
______________________ ______________________
- 3,000 Years + 0.0022 Seconds
- 4,000 Years + 0.0016 Seconds
- 5,000 Years + 0.0014 Seconds
- 6,000 Years + 0.0011 Seconds
- 7,000 Years + 0.00093 Seconds
- 8,000 Years + 0.00081 Seconds
- 9,000 Years + 0.00072 Seconds
-10,000 Years + 0.00065 Seconds
___________________________________________________
Note: The target rate of the lunar-month cycle of the past is 29.53061 days (where 1447 divided by 49 equals 29.53061). At the rate of 29.53061 days in each synodic month, a 7-squared number of months inherently exists in perfect interface with a whole number set of 1447 days.
The diagram depicts a time range relative to a required amount of change in the spin-orbital configuration (a shift away from the modern configuration). For example, the time range (as diagrammed) shows that the target of 29.53061 days per synodic month could have existed at only 3 millennia ago if the spin-orbits have shifted at a uniform rate of +0.0022 seconds per century. When on the ancient timeline a perfect Earth-Moon interface may have occurred depends upon the rate of the spin of the Earth relative to the Moon orbit.
In summary, the existence of a perfect Earth-Moon interface can be predicted to have occurred at some time in the past. This interpretation seems rather certain from recent studies of the times and dates of historic lunar phases.
For pertinent information concerning when in the historic past the definition of the synodic month was equal to 29.53061 days, refer to the subsequently presented Appendix F.
Due to indicated variability of the spin and orbital rates, it can be concluded that the synodic-month cycle may have once perfectly interfaced with the rotation of the Earth. This remarkable interface (at 49 Moons) may have recently occurred.
The target lunar month of the past is 29.53061 days (where the target rate represents a shift of 1.92 spin-seconds from the definition of the modern month cycle). It should be easy to recognize from the cited analysis of historical eclipses that the current lunar-month cycle (which contains 29.53059 spins of the Earth) did probably once complete in 29.53061 spins of the Earth. (For pertinent information concerning the definition of the ancient synodic month, refer to the subsequently presented Appendix F).
The cited Earth interface with 49 Moons points to the possibility of intelligent Earth-Moon design. Due to indicated prior changes of the spin-orbits, it can be predicted that this (and other) perfect spin-orbital alignments have perhaps occurred in the past. It is interesting to speculate about what these perfectly designed interfaces--if they did once exist--might mean, and of how the presumed previous alignments might be relative to specific acts of Supernatural Intervention.
Is it possible that not long ago the spin-orbits of the Earth-Moon were configured--or perhaps reconfigured--to their approximate modern-day rates? This indication of an origin--in correspondence with a time of perfectly aligned spin-orbital cycles--seems to be at variance with the Earth's geological record (which indicates that the Earth has existed for many millions of years). Here, it seems pertinent to at least consider that the indication of perfect mechanical design (at a point of origin) doesn't have to mean that the Earth and the Moon haven't experienced a more distant history... and that perhaps previous eras have came and gone before. Additional information concerning the changing spin of the Earth throughout prior geologic eras is shown in the following online publication: 'The Slowing Spin of the Earth'. Additional information is also included in the subsequent chapter.
_________________________________________________________
The timing configuration of the current Earth-Moon points to the possibility of a specific time in the past when the phase rate of the Earth did perfectly align with 7 sets of 7 lunar months--as is documented in the previous chapter.
Somewhat to the converse of the limited interpretation espoused in the previous chapter, the current chapter will cite the configuration of the Earth-Moon as interfacing with what appears to be a comprehensive time plan (or a more elaborate schedule). It seems to be significant that a time grid comprised of solar days, lunar weeks, lunisolar seasons, solar years, and great lunisolar seasons can be recognized from the spin-orbital configuration.
Astronomers and astrologers have long been interested in the phenomenon of time cycles that periodically conjoin or come into an interface together. A conjunction cycle is typically defined when two time cycles comprised of either solar days, synodic months, or solar years are of equal length.
An example of a conjunction between two equal time cycles can be recited in a cycle of 19 years (known as the Metonic cycle). A cycle of 19 years is defined by an interface between the solar-year cycle and the synodic-month cycle. A cycle of 19 years corresponds to 235 synodic-month cycles (equal to 6939.69 solar days), and a cycle of 19 years also corresponds to 19 solar years (equal to 6939.60 days). The 19-year interface between synodic months and solar years is precise in that 235 synodic-month cycles time out at a slower rate than 19 solar years (by only 2 hours and 5 minutes).
If interrelated time cycles (such as the synodic-month cycle at 19 years) can be identified then a conjunction between the respective time cycles can be predicted to reoccur--but only for as many times as the difference between the two time cycles will permit.
The cited Metonic cycle represents a close interface between the synodic-month cycle and the solar-year cycle. This respective conjuction is close to being exact by only about 2 hours (in 19 years). It here becomes significant that if this respective cycle were revolved only 12 times (or for 228 years), the boundary of the reoccurring synodic month can be predicted to exceed the boundary of the 228th year by the distance of an entire day (or by 24 hours of difference). Thus, even though the Metonic cycle represents a close lunar and solar conjunction, it appears that this respective conjunction does not represent a fully perfect interface.
In order for the synodic-month cycle to perfectly interface with the length of 19 solar years--which currently interfaces at a rate that is 2 hours too slow--a faster synodic-month cycle is obviously required. It here seems significant that a perfect 19-year interface can be predicted to occur if the modern synodic-month cycle completed in a target rate of 29.53022 days (or at a rate 0.00037 days faster than the rate of the modern synodic-month cycle).
The required difference in the definition of the synodic month (0.00037 days faster) seems significantly large. Even so, the synodic-month cycle could possibly have been defined by a fewer number of spin seconds in millennia of the past.
In regard that the definition of the synodic month (in terms of Earth's spins) has perhaps shifted or changed across thousands of years of time, it seems pertinent to evaluate the effectiveness of the previously cited jubilee calendar across a long time scale.
_______________________________________
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LUNAR WEEK
(a calendar of lunar weeks is possible)
_______________________________________
Note that a leap week occurring
each 3 years is not shown in
this calendar chart.
Seven-Year Cycle Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 1 - - Segment 2 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week At 7th Year... + 1 week
Seven-Year Cycle Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 3 - - Segment 4 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week At 7th Year... + 1 week
Seven-Year Cycle Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 5 - - Segment 6 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week At 7th Year... + 1 week
Seven-Year Cycle
- Segment 7 -
Year 1 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 2 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 3 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 4 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 5 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 6 = 49 lunar weeks
Year 7 = 49 lunar weeks
At 7th Year... + 1 week
___________________________
Jubilee Year
Year 50 = 49 lunar weeks
___________________________
The diagram depicts that a streaming count of lunar weeks (or lunar quarters) can effectively be used to define a cycle of 50 years. It seems that a jubilee cycle (of 50 years) can be counted out in segments of 7 years using a fixed count of lunar weeks. (For additional information, refer to Chapter One).
It is here significant that the cited jubilee calendar of lunar weeks inherently would represent a fully perfect solar-year interface if any one--or a combination--of the following spin-orbital configurations did exist:
At the rate of 29.53043 days per synodic month each lunar quarter or lunar week can be predicted to elapse in 7.38261 solar days. It then follows that each jubilee-calendar year which contains 49.4733333 lunar weeks (on the average) would be equivalent to 365.2422 days. (Note that 49.47333 lunar weeks per calendar year times 7.3826075 solar days per lunar week is equal to 365.2422 days per solar year). Thus, at the rate of 29.53043 days per synodic month, the length of each jubilee-calendar year would exactly correspond with the length of the solar year of 365.2422 solar days.
What is here remarkable is that the Earth-Moon can actually be predicted--in average time--to define the cited target rate of 29.53043 solar days for the synodic month. A prior shift in the definition of the spin-orbits (a trend) toward the cited target rate (29.53043 days per synodic month) can perhaps be recited from the record of very recent bivalve fossils. This indication from the fossil record of a recent shift toward the target definition of 29.53043 days is evident from the following diagram:
____________________________________________________________
-- DAYS IN THE SYNODIC MONTH --
From 11,000 years to 1,800,000 Years Ago
(Based Upon Bivalve Fossil Data)
1. = experimental value, interpreted as (days/month),
(Berry and Barker 1975).
2. = experimental value, interpreted as (days/month),
(Pannella 1972 and Thompson 1968).
____________________________________________________________
PLEISTOCENE FOSSILS (-11,000 to -1,800,000 Years)
1 = 29.5 Days Sandstone near Punta Cholla, Sonora
1 = 29.5 Days Palos Verdes Formation, California
1 = 29.6 Days San Pedro Sandstone, California
2 = 29.1 Days YPM-IP-26310
2 = 29.6 Days YPM-IP-26307
2 = 29.0 Days YPM-IP-26305
2 = 29.3 Days YPM-IP-26312
2 = 29.2 Days YPM-IP-26309
2 = 29.1 Days YPM-IP-26304
2 = 29.4 Days YPM-IP-28493
____________________________________________________________
The definition of the synodic month when projected into the prehistoric past can thus be interpreted to perhaps come closer to the target rate of 29.53043 solar days.
If the solar year elapsed in 365.2442 days then a perfect interface would inherently exist between the modern lunar week of 7.38265 days--where 49.4733333 lunar weeks at this rate equals 365.2442 days.
It is here significant that Earth's spin can be recited to lose about 0.0017 seconds per century on average. This means--through some time range of the prehistoric past--the solar year was once equal to the cited target rate of 365.2442 days. The time of perfect interface--based upon the cited slowing rate of 0.0017 seconds per century--can be predicted to have occurred some 292 centuries ago.
Note that because Earth's spin loses 0.0017 seconds each century, and because the rate of the solar year is 365.24 days then the definition of the solar year is changing at the rate of 0.6209 spin-seconds for each century. It follows that the target rate of the solar year (365.2442 days) minus the current rate of the solar year (365.2422 days) is equal to a net change of 181.44 spin-seconds. This set of assumptions and parameters then indicates that at 292 centuries ago the solar year was equal to 365.2442 solar days. (Note 181.44 spin-seconds divided by 0.6209 seconds per century is equal to 292 centuries).
Of course, the time range during which the cited jubilee calendar might average out to exactly correspond with the rate of the solar year cannot explicitly or exactly be determined. It is however apparent that a time range extending toward the prehistoric past may be indicated.
It is possible to interpret--as cited above--that during a range of prior centuries the lunar week did perfectly interface with the rate of the solar year. A perfect interface would have occurred in the past on the basis of indicated shifts (or shift trends) away from the current spin-orbital configuration.
The indicated (perfect) lunar week interface seems significant in the regard that a calendar of lunar weeks appears to exactly overlay a jubilee time grid (as diagrammed).
The indication of functional time design makes it possible to interpret that the spin-orbits are experiencing (or have experienced) a degree of Supernatural regulation. After all, the definition of a perfect jubilee interface is very unusual. (Can it possibly be that the spin-orbits have been designed to conform with a determined time plan or schedule?)
An explicit description of the cited jubilee interface can be found in the Bible Book of Leviticus--and in other ancient literature! For additional information, refer to the online publication entitled: 'A Significant Jubilee Cycle'.
Ultimately, jubilee time design and the associated precision limits (once perfect?) tends to indicate that the Genesis account of a perfectly configured Earth-Moon system is within the realm of possibility. Essentially, an intelligently designed lunar-based progression can be interpreted to have existed in satisfactory interface with the passage of each annual cycle across a number of millennia in the past!
For pertinent information that points to the possibility that the spin-orbital configuration has remained relatively unchanged for perhaps millions of years, refer to the online document entitled: 'The Slowing Spin of the Earth'.
The cited interpretation of an enduring jubilee schedule does not have to mean that the age of the Earth-Moon might be younger than several thousand years.
In fact, there is geological evidence which seems to show that the Earth-Moon could be extremely old (and much, much older than a mere number of millennia).
Prior differences in the spin-orbital rates can be recognized from the record of coral and bivalve fossils--as cited--where daily growth leaves a record (like tree growth rings).
The fossil record ultimately indicates that a rather different Earth-Moon configuration (or configurations) has (or have) existed in the distant past. In the older Earth-Moon system (or systems), the day count appears to have been greater for the annual cycle (and also for the lunar period). As an example, the record of mollusk fossils interpreted to have once lived 65 million years ago indicate that the synodic period did then elapse in a cycle of about 30 days.
For additional information concerning the fossil record and possible evidence of a prior configuration (or configurations) of the Earth-Moon, refer to the online document entitled: 'The Slowing Spin of the Earth'.
As is cited throughout previous sections and chapters, it seems possible to interpret that the Earth-Moon inherently defines a unique jubilee schedule. Clearly, the cited cross-reference between the lunar week and the jubilee schedule is a very durable interface.
What here is remarkable is that the Bible appears to contain an explicit description of the jubilee-time cycle. For additional information of the biblical description of 7 sets of 7 years (plus 1 year), refer to the online document: 'The Jubilee Time Cycle'.
_________________________________________________________
Modern knowledge of the composition of the Earth-Moon system raises a number of questions concerning the ultimate origin of this system. The size and relative position of the Earth and the Moon, their material makeup, the tilt of the Earth, the synchronized rotational rate of the Moon, and the unique lunar orbit all remain to be--at least to some degree--science mysteries.
When viewed from the Earth, the Sun and the planets appear to rise and set (always from east to west).
The Moon appears to shine, but in actuality its surface is reflecting light from the Sun. The "shining" portion of the lunar surface--as viewed from the Earth--changes night-after-night (as the illuminated portion of the Moon's surface waxes and wanes according to a periodic cycle known as the lunar-month cycle).
As the Moon celebrates light from the Sun--in the waxing half of the lunar-month cycle--the lunar surface increases in luminance for two weeks before becoming wholly illuminated (at the full phase). In the waning half of the lunar-month cycle, the lunar surface subsequently decreases in luminance for two weeks before becoming wholly dark (at the new phase).
The lunar-month cycle--referred to as the synodic month--completes in 29.5 days. The actual obit of the Moon around the Earth is called the sidereal month and completes in 27.3 days. The synodic month is longer than the sidereal month because the Earth is moving around the Sun and the relative positions of Earth and the Sun throughout 27 days are altered, and consequently the Moon must travel farther in order to come again into alignment (between the Earth and the Sun). Thus, from the perspective of an observer stationed on the Earth, the synodic month, or lunar month (of 29.5 days) is the apparent or perceived lunar cycle and is therefore significant to the observer.
It is significant that the annual cycle passes through four distinct seasons (in each solar cycle), and likewise, the lunar-month cycle passes through four distinct quarter phases. The four phases of the lunar-month cycle are: (1) New phase; (2) First-quarter phase; (3) Full phase; and: (4) Last-quarter phase.
The lunar-month cycle first begins when the Moon moves closest to the Sun. At this time the Moon appears to be dark (with no portion of its surface reflecting any light from the Sun). The Moon--as viewed from the Earth--is at its new phase on this special day. Night-after-night more of the crescent shaped Moon is illuminated as it appears after dusk higher-and-higher in the western sky. After one week of waxing, the Moon--at dusk--appears directly overhead between the western and eastern horizons. At this time, the Moon arrives at its distinct first-quarter phase. At the first-quarter phase, the Moon is no longer crescent shaped, and it appears one-half illuminated (exactly like the letter 'D'). Following the first-quarter phase, the Moon, night-after-night, continues to wax in luminance and at dusk it appears closer and closer to the eastern horizon. Seven days following the first-quarter phase, the Moon appears on the eastern horizon at dusk, and its surface now appears wholly illuminated (the full phase). When the Moon is fully illuminated (the full phase), the Moon appears between the eastern and western horizons for an entire evening of viewing. After the unique full phase, the Moon begins to wane and--night-after-night--less of the Moon is illuminated. Also, the Moon rises from the eastern horizon about fifty minutes later evening-after-evening. After a week of waning, the Moon arrives at its distinct third-quarter phase. At this time, the Moon again appears one-half illuminated but the illuminated half appears in reverse from the first-quarter phase (like a backwards letter 'D'). At the third-quarter phase, the Moon doesn't rise from the eastern horizon until the middle of the nighttime. Following the third-quarter phase, the Moon again becomes crescent shaped, and less-and-less of the crescent shaped Moon becomes illuminated as it continues to wane night-after-night. Seven days following the third-quarter phase (or the last-quarter phase), the Moon arrives once again at its special new phase.
The four distinct quarter phases of the Moon can be predicted to appear throughout the four seasons of the year (as described below):
- New phase (rides high in sky in summer and low in winter, and it reaches an intermediate height in spring and fall).
- First-quarter phase (rides low in the fall and high in the spring, and it takes a middle course during summer and winter).
- Full phase (rides low in summer, the same as the Sun at noon in midwinter; and rides high in winter, comparable with that of the Sun at noon in the summer; and it takes an intermediate height in spring and fall).
- Last-quarter phase or third-quarter phase (rides high in the fall and low in the spring, and it follows an intermediate height in summer and winter).
As is cited above, processes which are apparent to an observer stationed upon the Earth--such as day and night, lunar phases, lunar months, seasons, and annual cycles--may not be very apparent to an observer stationed in space (and from the perspective of an observer stationed in space, what is real in the solar system--such as the size of the Sun and Moon, sidereal days, sidereal months, and sidereal years--would be perceived very differently than to an observer stationed on the Earth).
Subsequent paragraphs and sections will then attempt to show more of how significant Earth's environment appears to be for interpreting the apparent Moon and Sun.
As an example, the Earth's rotational axis happens to be tilted at 23.5 degrees relative to the Sun's orbit. As the Earth orbits around the Sun, an Earth's resident experiences seasonal differences due to the cited 23.5 degree tilt.
Another example of the significance of Earth's environment concerns the Moon's apparent diameter--where, from the Earth, the Moon appears to have the same size diameter as the Sun's diameter. Essentially, to an observer stationed on the Earth, both orbs (the Sun and the Moon) appear to have the same angular size (of 0.5 degrees).
Equal angular sizes--perceivable only to an observer stationed on the Earth--seems to reflect that both the Sun and the Moon are specifically positioned (relative to the Earth).
The phenomenon of equal Moon and Sun sizes--whereby both orbs appear to have the same angular size--is integral in the periodic formation of a solar eclipse. It is here significant that the orbit of the Moon happens to be tilted at only 5 degrees with the Sun. The peculiar angle of the Moon orbit (in close alignment with the Sun) is ultimately necessary for the formation of a solar eclipse on the Earth. (If the orbit of the Moon did not closely align with the Sun then the Moon would never move into direct position between the Sun and the Earth; and consequently, a solar eclipse would never occur).
The Earth/Moon/Sun configuration is such that solar eclipses can only occur at the appearance of the new phase of the Moon, and lunar eclipses can only occur at the appearance of the full phase of Moon. The combined number of eclipses (including partial eclipses) of the Sun and the Moon cannot be less than two, or be more than seven, in a calendar year. Solar eclipses repeat their cycle every 223 lunar months.
It is then most unusual that in order for a total eclipse of the Sun to be observable from the Earth, the Moon's apparent diameter must equal or exceed the Sun's apparent diameter (and this is so--as explained above). In addition, the angle of the Moon's orbit must uniquely align with Earth's orbital plane around the Sun (and this also is so!).
In summary, the formation of a solar eclipse appears to be unique. This phenomenon requires a somewhat rare combination of diameter sizes, relative positions, and tilt of orbits. This amazing combination happens to exist--even in concert with the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth's axis.
Of possible significance to a study of functional time design is that the cited saros cycle of 223 synodic months can effectively be metered out using a lunar-weeks count (or a lunar-quarter count) of 99 times 9 plus 1.
A most remarkable mystery concerns the Moon and its rotational period.
The sidereal orbital period of the Moon around the Earth completes in 27.321666 days while the rotational period of the Moon also completes in 27.321666 days!
Essential, the Moon rotates once upon its axis every time it orbits around the Earth.
This means that as the Moon progresses throughout its orbit about the Earth the same side of the Moon shows toward the Earth at all times. (If the Moon did not rotate upon its axis in synchronization with its orbit then its opposite side would eventually revolve into view from the Earth).
Due to the Moon's synchronized orbit and rotation, only about 59 percent of its surface is ever visible from the Earth. (Note that a bit more then one-half of the normal face of the Moon is visible throughout time because of the Moon's slightly elliptical orbit). This tipping face of the Moon is known as "libration in longitude" and as "libration in latitude"--where over a long period of time "libration" permits the viewer to see a little bit farther around the edges of the normal face of the Moon.
It isn't known just why the Moon rotates in correspondence with a synchronized orbital rate but it is possible that the cited synchronization is the result of Earth's gravitational pull--where the diameter of the Moon is estimated to be bulged toward the Earth (by the amount of about one-third mile).
This unique Earth-Moon arrangement--where the Moon perpetually faces the Earth--is a facet of considerable wonderment. Here, a mysterious tie or connection seems to exists between the Earth and the shining Moon--which perpetually faces the Earth in its continuous orbit.
The geography of the Moon consists of level plains, valleys, and mountain peaks (similar to those on the Earth) but it possesses many geological features which are different.
The features viewed as "the man in the Moon" are a combination of craters, mountain peaks, deep narrow valleys, and level plains, or maria. The largest of the maria is... about 700 miles in diameter. There are some 20 other prominent maria on the side of the Moon that faces the Earth... The maria are surrounded by huge mountains... with peaks up to 30,000 feet. Tens of thousands of craters are scattered over the Moon's surface, often overlapping one another... [Some] craters have rays. These are light-hued lines radiating from the craters like the spokes of a wheel. Some rays are more than 1,000 miles long. None is more than about 12 miles wide... The large craters range from less than a mile to nearly 150 miles in diameter. Like the maria, they are surrounded by high peaks. There are more than a thousand deep valleys, called rills, or clefts, on the Moon. They are 10 to 300 miles long and 2 miles or less wide... depths are unknown... During a solar eclipse, Sunlight shining down valleys on the edge of the Moon may form a circle of bright points known as Baily's beads... (Compton's Encyclopedia, 1995).
The geography of the Moon is somewhat unique in the regard that the near side of the Moon (or the side of the Moon that continuously faces the Earth) has geological features which differ from those of the far side of the Moon (or the side of the Moon that perpetually faces away from the Earth).
A number of 1 to 5,000,000 scale lunar maps (both shaded relief maps and geologic maps), are available. (Maps can be ordered from USGS Information Services).
Most unusual is that the far side of the Moon lacks the large flat places (or the maria) that appear on the near side of the Moon.
The largest flat spot on the Moon is known as Mare Imbrium (Sea of Rains). This flat place happens to be about 1200 km (or 750 miles) wide. This huge flat place, and a number of other prominent features, can be viewed and recognized from the Earth without the aid of magnified viewing.
Another facet about the unusual geography of the Moon is that the far side of the Moon is lighter colored.
Thus, the features that appear on the near side of the Moon--or the features that can be viewed from the Earth--are somewhat unusual in comparison with those that cannot be seen on the far side of the Moon.
The Earth-Moon arrangement can be recognized to be unusual. In its ongoing celebration of light from the Sun, not only does the same side of the Moon perpetually face the Earth but the features of the Moon that can be viewed from the Earth appear to be unique.
The Moon has a large comparative size relative to the size of the Earth--where the Earth is almost 8,000 miles in diameter, and the Moon's diameter is some 2,160 miles. The size of the Moon is therefore about one-fourth the diameter of the Earth, and this comparative size is larger than for any of the other planets in our solar system.
The Moon is not as dense as the Earth (about 3/5 as dense), and it only has about 1/81 the mass of the Earth.
The Moon's diameter is only very slightly enlarged (by only one-third mile), and this implies that the Moon is solid below the surface (otherwise gravity would have produced a far greater effect upon its diameter).
The large comparative size of the Moon and its nearness to Earth affects tides on the Earth (which are largely caused by the pull of the Moon--rather than the pull of the Sun). The ratio of the tide-raising pull of the Moon to that of the Sun is 11 to 5.
The Sun tends to pull the Moon away from the Earth (when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun) and the Sun tends to pull the Moon toward the Earth (when the Moon is on the far side of the Earth). The effects of this pull are called perturbations.
The orbit of the Moon is approximately circular. It is--however--slightly elliptical (221,600 miles at perigee, and 252,950 miles at apogee). At perigee the Moon is nearest the Earth, and when it reaches apogee the Moon is the most distant--where these exact distances vary from month to month.
The Moon's orbit does not align with the Earth's equator, but rather aligns more closely with the Earth's path around the Sun (the ecliptic)--where it intersects the plane of the ecliptic at an angle of only 5 degrees.
The two points at which the Moon each month crosses the plane of the ecliptic are called the lunar nodes.
The orbit of the Moon is a bit complicated in that it does not remain in a completely flat plane. Instead its orbital plane oscillates slowly. This movement is sometimes called the regression of the nodes, since the nodes move constantly westward around the ecliptic. A full cycle of oscillation requires about 230 months (or 18.61 years) to entirely complete.
Of possible significance to a study of functional time design is that the Moon inherently rises at a rate that is about 50 minutes slower than the rate of the solar day (a rate equal to 1.03505 days on the average). A time span of 230 synodic months can thus effectively be metered out in correspondence with a count of 9 times 9 times 9 times 9 rises plus 1 rise (or 6562 rises).
Due to the oscillation, the Moon in some years ranges farther north or south in the sky, and this oscillation ultimately accounts for the occurrences of eclipses.
The nearly circular orbit of the Moon is somewhat of a science mystery. The close proximity of this orbit to the Earth cannot be explained purely through a capture process... as if the Moon were somehow captured into Earth's orbit. Essentially, computer simulations indicate that the Earth isn't large enough to capture and hold a large Moon. (Even if the Moon were somehow captured and held, it is unlikely that a close circular orbit of the current angular momentum would result. It seems that during the process of a capture the Moon would simply crash into the Earth).
A number of ideas have been set forth to explain the composition and configuration of the Earth-Moon system.
One of the popular early theories attempted to document the Moon as a world that formed in Earth's orbit (simultaneously as the Earth formed). However, based largely upon information gained during the latter part of the twentieth century, it now seems that the lunar and the terrestrial histories have been quite different. (The Moon has been discovered to be less dense than the Earth... and it seems to be lacking an inner core of iron--as does the Earth).
Another hypothesis has been that the Moon was captured into orbit around the Earth. This theory appears to still be under investigation by some researchers; however, this respective theory no longer represents the mainstream view. It is believed that the Moon could not have been captured for the following primary reasons:
Another theory has investigated the possibility that in early stages the Earth flung off the Moon. However, studies by astrophysicists indicate that the escape of the Moon from the Earth is improbable (as it is most difficult to find mechanical processes by which an object such as the Moon could be removed from the Earth).
Throughout the last two and one-half decades, a new theory--the giant impact hypothesis--has grown in popularity. This theory is that the Moon was created when the primal Earth was hit by a huge fast moving body. (The Earth is believed to have been hit a glancing strike from a body larger than the size of Mars).
According to the giant impact hypothesis, an off-center strike was necessary to cast-off (or gouge-out) enough of the Earth's outer material to form the Moon. This glancing collision ejected Earth's material at speeds exceeding Earth's escape velocity (or 25,000 mph). Following this raking-off of the Earth's material, the large impacting body fragmented, and some of the cast-out material eventually formed a Moon in Earth's orbit.
The giant impact hypothesis is perhaps the best of all the theories to explain the near orbit of the Moon.
Based upon computer simulations, it seems that an off-center strike could have cast off enough of the Earth's outer material to form the Moon in close proximity to the Earth (and this explains the near orbit). This blow could also have produced about 18 degrees of the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth (but subsequent impacts are required to ultimately achieve the additional 5 degrees of tilt).
A giant impact, if actually true, means that the Moon is composed from outer material from the Earth, and this is in part supported by modern knowledge of the composition of the Moon--which indicates the inner-core of the Earth is more dense than the Moon.
The giant impact hypothesis throughout recent months and years is coming under more serious investigation. The idea seems to falter in that--while the density of the lunar material is approximately the same as the Earth's outer material--the ratios of rare materials seem to be wrong (and there are other problems).
Essentially, the riddle of the Moon's origin continues to be debated. A plausible theory must somehow account for the Moon's close orbit, synchronized rotation, angular momentum, composition, and its large size relative to the Earth's.
While the giant impact hypothesis is perhaps the best idea to date, this theory of a raked-off Moon doesn't completely explain all of the mechanical and material makeup of Earth-Moon system.
The best theory to account for the origin of the Moon is probably the giant impact theory. However, in order to account for the Moon's origin, a sequence of the following processes is required:
Can it be possible that the processes required to create the Earth-Moon are reflective of the actions of a Creator rather than reflective of the results of a giant impact?
- A "raking-off" of Earth's outer material.
- The "formation" of a round Moon.
- A "fine-tuning" (to produce additional tilt of the Earth's axis).
- A "refinement" of the material makeup of the Moon (which is similar to the Earth's outer material--but not quite).
From the perspective of an observer on the Earth, rates of days, months, and years can be recognized to all interrelate together--as has been shown in the previously presented Chapter One.
In addition to the cited definition of interrelated time structures, other plausible examples of functional design can be recited from the mechanical makeup and the material composition of the Earth-Moon system.
One example of functional composition concerns the angular sizes of the Sun and the Moon. It here seems to be very unusual that the Moon's apparent diameter--as viewed from the Earth--appears to have the same angular size as the Sun's diameter. Essentially, to an observer stationed on the Earth, both orbs appear to have an equal angular size--of about 0.5 degree. (As has been explained in the current chapter, equal angular sizes of both the Sun and the Moon is integral in the formation of total solar eclipses, and in the rare formation of ring eclipses).
Another example of functional design can be recited from the orbit of the Moon (which perpetually remains synchronized with the rotational rate). As is shown in a section from above, the sidereal orbital period of the Moon around the Earth completes in 27.321666 days. It here is amazing that the rotational period of the Moon appears to exactly be synchronized with the sidereal orbit. (The Moon rotates only one time every 27.321666 days--and this is the very same rate as the sidereal orbit). Because both rates--the sidereal orbit and the rotation--are exactly the same, the Moon can be predicted to progress throughout its orbit with the same face of the Moon showing toward the Earth at all times.
A number of science mysteries (or questions that do not have scientific answers) seem to surround the current composition of the Earth-Moon system.
One of these mysteries concerns the size of the Earth-Moon pair. (How is it that a true planet the size of the Earth holds a relatively large, almost perfectly round Moon in its orbit?)
The size and density of the Earth-Moon system, the Moon's close orbit, and the nearly circular orbit of the Moon--though beneficial in stabilizing Earth's tilt and spin--are rather unique as compositional characteristics.
The close proximity of the Moon's orbit to the Earth cannot be explained through a capture process... as if the Moon were somehow captured into Earth's orbit. Essentially, computer simulations indicate that the Earth isn't large enough to capture and hold a large Moon. (Even if the Moon were somehow captured and held, it is unlikely that a close circular orbit of the current angular momentum would result).
It is here evident that the Earth-Moon was probably created through a chain of multiple processes. However, the explicit creative process (or processes) by which the Earth-Moon system was initially formed remains in the realm of theory.
A clue to the origin of the Earth-Moon can seemingly be recognized from the spin-orbital configuration. It is straightfoward to interpret that interrelated time structures are generated from out of interfacing rates solar days, synodic months, and solar years. The clear possibility then seems to be that time cycles generated by Earth-Moon are reflective of a system that has been functionally designed.
For additional significant information concerning what appears to be interrelatedness amid Earth and Moon cycles, refer to the following online publications:
________________________________________________________
This table gives mean annual values of the duration of the day D, which are available for the last four centuries. For the interval 1623-1955, the data are those provided by L.V. Morrison, Royal Greenwich Observatory, interpolated for the middle of the year. The mean solar time has been referred to the dynamical time scale derived from the time argument of the lunar ephemeris.
The duration of the day has been obtained:
- from 1623 to 1860, by derivative of cubic splines fitted on individual values of the difference between mean solar time and dynamical time (13 knots),
- from 1861 to 1955, by a 5-point quadratic convolute.
More information on the computation of the duration of the day is available in Stephenson and Morrison (1984), with an estimation of the accuracy of these evaluations.
From 1956 up to present, the duration of the day has been obtained from the BIH/IERS values of UT1-TAI ; the table gives annual averages. At the level of precision of these values of the duration of the day, the unit of the dynamical time and the unit of TAI can be considered as having the same duration. Thus D is expressed in present SI units. The table gives also the values of the angular velocity of the Earth's rotation w derived from the listed values of D.
DATE D [[omega]] DATE D [[omega]] DATE D [[omega]]
(years) (ms) (prad/s) (years) (ms) (prad/s) (years) (ms) (prad/s)
72 921.. 72 921.. 72 921
1671.5 -3. 154. 1721.5 0.2 151.3
1672.5 -3. 154. 1722.5 0.2 151.3
1623.5 -11. 161. 1673.5 -3. 154. 1723.5 0.1 151.4
1624.5 -11. 161. 1674.5 -3. 154. 1724.5 0.1 151.4
1625.5 -10. 160. 1675.5 -3. 154. 1725.5 0.1 151.4
1626.5 -10. 160. 1676.5 -3. 154. 1726.5 0.1 151.4
1627.5 -9. 159. 1677.5 -3. 154. 1727.5 0.1 151.4
1628.5 -9. 159. 1678.5 -3. 154. 1728.5 0.2 151.3
1629.5 -8. 158. 1679.5 -2. 153. 1729.5 0.2 151.3
1630.5 -8. 158. 1680.5 -2. 153. 1730.5 0.2 151.3
1631.5 -8. 158. 1681.5 -2. 153. 1731.5 0.2 151.3
1632.5 -7. 157. 1682.5 -2. 153. 1732.5 0.2 151.3
1633.5 -7. 157. 1683.5 -2. 153. 1733.5 0.2 151.3
1634.5 -7. 157. 1684.5 -2. 153. 1734.5 0.2 151.3
1635.5 -6. 157. 1685.5 -2. 153. 1735.5 0.2 151.3
1636.5 -6. 157. 1686.5 -1. 152. 1736.5 0.3 151.2
1637.5 -6. 157. 1687.5 -1. 152. 1737.5 0.3 151.2
1638.5 -5. 156. 1688.5 -1. 152. 1738.5 0.3 151.2
1639.5 -5. 156. 1689.5 -1. 152. 1739.5 0.3 151.2
1640.5 -5. 156. 1690.5 -1. 152. 1740.5 0.3 151.2
1641.5 -4. 155. 1691.5 -1. 152. 1741.5 0.3 151.2
1642.5 -4. 155. 1692.5 -1. 152. 1742.5 0.3 151.2
1643.5 -4. 155. 1693.5 0. 151. 1743.5 0.4 151.1
1644.5 -4. 155. 1694.5 0. 151. 1744.5 0.4 151.1
1645.5 -4. 155. 1695.5 0. 151. 1745.5 0.4 151.1
1646.5 -3. 154. 1696.5 0. 151. 1746.5 0.4 151.1
1647.5 -3. 154. 1697.5 0. 151. 1747.5 0.4 151.1
1648.5 -3. 154. 1698.5 0. 151. 1748.5 0.4 151.1
1649.5 -3. 154. 1699.5 0. 151. 1749.5 0.4 151.1
1650.5 -3. 154. 1700.5 0.1 151.4 1750.5 0.4 151.1
1651.5 -3. 154. 1701.5 0.2 151.3 1751.5 0.4 151.1
1652.5 -3. 154. 1702.5 0.2 151.3 1752.5 0.4 151.1
1653.5 -3. 154. 1703.5 0.3 151.2 1753.5 0.4 151.1
1654.5 -3. 154. 1704.5 0.3 151.2 1754.5 0.4 151.1
1655.5 -3. 154. 1705.5 0.3 151.2 1755.5 0.4 151.1
1656.5 -3. 154. 1706.5 0.3 151.2 1756.5 0.4 151.1
1657.5 -3. 154. 1707.5 0.3 151.2 1757.5 0.4 151.1
1658.5 -3. 154. 1708.5 0.4 151.1 1758.5 0.4 151.1
1659.5 -3. 154. 1709.5 0.3 151.2 1759.5 0.4 151.1
1660.5 -3. 154. 1710.5 0.3 151.2 1760.5 0.4 151.1
1661.5 -3. 154. 1711.5 0.3 151.2 1761.5 0.4 151.1
1662.5 -3. 154. 1712.5 0.3 151.2 1762.5 0.3 151.2
1663.5 -3. 154. 1713.5 0.3 151.2 1763.5 0.3 151.2
1664.5 -3. 154. 1714.5 0.3 151.2 1764.5 0.3 151.2
1665.5 -3. 154. 1715.5 0.2 151.3 1765.5 0.3 151.2
1666.5 -3. 154. 1716.5 0.2 151.3 1766.5 0.3 151.2
1667.5 -3. 154. 1717.5 0.2 151.3 1767.5 0.3 151.2
1668.5 -3. 154. 1718.5 0.2 151.3 1768.5 0.3 151.2
1669.5 -3. 154. 1719.5 0.2 151.3 1769.5 0.3 151.2
1670.5 -3. 154. 1720.5 0.2 151.3 1770.5 0.3 151.2
1771.5 0.3 151.2 1821.5 -0.81 152.15 1871.5 -2.59 153.65
1772.5 0.2 151.3 1822.5 -0.99 152.30 1872.5 -2.55 153.62
1773.5 0.2 151.3 1823.5 -1.16 152.45 1873.5 -2.10 153.24
1774.5 0.2 151.3 1824.5 -1.32 152.58 1874.5 -2.03 153.18
1775.5 0.2 151.3 1825.5 -1.42 152.67 1875.5 -1.77 152.96
1776.5 0.2 151.3 1826.5 -1.49 152.72 1876.5 -1.37 152.62
1777.5 0.2 151.3 1827.5 -1.50 152.73 1877.5 -1.24 152.51
1778.5 0.2 151.3 1828.5 -1.48 152.72 1878.5 -0.90 152.23
1779.5 0.2 151.3 1829.5 -1.41 152.66 1879.5 -0.49 151.88
1780.5 0.2 151.3 1830.5 -1.30 152.56 1880.5 -0.23 151.66
1781.5 0.2 151.3 1831.5 -1.14 152.43 1881.5 -0.06 151.52
1782.5 0.1 151.4 1832.5 -0.94 152.26 1882.5 -0.15 151.59
1783.5 0.1 151.4 1833.5 -0.73 152.08 1883.5 -0.33 151.75
1784.5 0.1 151.4 1834.5 -0.52 151.91 1884.5 -0.24 151.67
1785.5 0.0 151.5 1835.5 -0.34 151.75 1885.5 -0.15 151.59
1786.5 0.0 151.5 1836.5 -0.18 151.62 1886.5 -0.05 151.51
1787.5 -0.1 151.6 1837.5 -0.04 151.50 1887.5 -0.04 151.50
1788.5 -0.2 151.6 1838.5 0.09 151.39 1888.5 -0.18 151.62
1789.5 -0.3 151.7 1839.5 0.19 151.31 1889.5 -0.25 151.68
1790.5 -0.5 151.9 1840.5 0.27 151.24 1890.5 -0.48 151.87
1791.5 -0.6 152.0 1841.5 0.33 151.19 1891.5 -0.58 151.96
1792.5 -0.7 152.1 1842.5 0.37 151.15 1892.5 -0.42 151.82
1793.5 -0.9 152.2 1843.5 0.39 151.14 1893.5 -0.13 151.58
1794.5 -0.9 152.2 1844.5 0.40 151.13 1894.5 0.33 151.19
1795.5 -1.0 152.3 1845.5 0.41 151.12 1895.5 0.86 150.74
1796.5 -1.0 152.3 1846.5 0.41 151.12 1896.5 1.53 150.18
1797.5 -1.0 152.3 1847.5 0.40 151.13 1897.5 2.16 149.64
1798.5 -1.0 152.3 1848.5 0.39 151.14 1898.5 2.64 149.24
1799.5 -1.0 152.3 1849.5 0.38 151.15 1899.5 3.00 148.94
1800.5 -0.87 152.20 1850.5 0.36 151.16 1900.5 3.31 148.67
1801.5 -0.75 152.10 1851.5 0.33 151.19 1901.5 3.60 148.43
1802.5 -0.61 151.98 1852.5 0.30 151.21 1902.5 3.70 148.34
1803.5 -0.46 151.86 1853.5 0.26 151.25 1903.5 3.69 148.35
1804.5 -0.34 151.75 1854.5 0.23 151.27 1904.5 3.55 148.47
1805.5 -0.23 151.66 1855.5 0.20 151.30 1905.5 3.40 148.60
1806.5 -0.14 151.59 1856.5 0.17 151.32 1906.5 3.48 148.53
1807.5 -0.06 151.52 1857.5 0.15 151.34 1907.5 3.57 148.45
1808.5 -0.01 151.48 1858.5 0.11 151.37 1908.5 3.65 148.39
1809.5 0.03 151.44 1859.5 -0.02 151.48 1909.5 3.71 148.34
1810.5 0.05 151.42 1860.5 -0.34 151.75 1910.5 3.77 148.29
1811.5 0.05 151.42 1861.5 -0.81 152.15 1911.5 3.86 148.21
1812.5 0.04 151.43 1862.5 -1.19 152.47 1912.5 3.89 148.18
1813.5 0.01 151.46 1863.5 -1.35 152.61 1913.5 3.62 148.41
1814.5 -0.04 151.50 1864.5 -1.61 152.83 1914.5 3.18 148.78
1815.5 -0.11 151.56 1865.5 -2.13 153.26 1915.5 2.92 149.00
1816.5 -0.18 151.62 1866.5 -2.76 153.80 1916.5 2.74 149.15
1817.5 -0.28 151.70 1867.5 -2.89 153.91 1917.5 2.35 149.48
1818.5 -0.39 151.80 1868.5 -2.60 153.66 1918.5 2.05 149.74
1819.5 -0.51 151.90 1869.5 -2.59 153.65 1919.5 1.76 149.98
1820.5 -0.65 152.02 1870.5 -2.51 153.59 1920.5 1.48 150.22
1921.5 1.51 150.19 1971.5 2.90 149.02
1922.5 1.28 150.39 1972.5 3.13 148.83
1923.5 0.98 150.64 1973.5 3.05 148.89
1924.5 0.93 150.68 1974.5 2.72 149.17
1925.5 0.81 150.78 1975.5 2.69 149.20
1926.5 0.56 150.99 1976.5 2.91 149.01
1927.5 0.18 151.32 1977.5 2.77 149.13
1928.5 -0.22 151.65 1978.5 2.88 149.04
1929.5 -0.35 151.76 1979.5 2.61 149.26
1930.5 -0.19 151.63 1980.5 2.30 149.53
1931.5 -0.10 151.55 1981.5 2.16 149.64
1932.5 -0.07 151.53 1982.5 2.16 149.64
1933.5 -0.06 151.52 1983.5 2.28 149.54
1934.5 -0.08 151.53 1984.5 1.52 150.18
1935.5 0.00 151.47 1985.5 1.45 150.24
1936.5 0.08 151.40 1986.5 1.23 150.43
1937.5 0.22 151.28 1987.5 1.36 150.32
1938.5 0.47 151.07 1988.5 1.32 150.35
1939.5 0.78 150.81 1989.5 1.53 150.18
1940.5 1.09 150.55 1990.5 1.94 149.83
1941.5 1.25 150.41 1991.5 2.04 149.75
1942.5 1.31 150.36 1992.5 2.22 149.59
1943.5 1.35 150.33 1993.5 2.37 149.47
1944.5 1.41 150.28 1994.5 2.17 149.64
1945.5 1.41 150.28 1995.5 2.31 149.52
1946.5 1.35 150.33 1996.5 1.83 149.92
1947.5 1.30 150.37 1997.5 1.84 149.91
1948.5 1.25 150.41
1949.5 1.20 150.45
1950.5 1.15 150.50
1951.5 1.10 150.54
1952.5 1.05 150.58
1953.5 0.99 150.63
1954.5 0.92 150.69
1955.5 0.86 150.74
1956.5 0.89 150.72
1957.5 1.34 150.34
1958.5 1.37 150.31
1959.5 1.31 150.36
1960.5 1.19 150.46
1961.5 1.09 150.55
1962.5 1.30 150.37
1963.5 1.54 150.17
1964.5 1.92 149.85
1965.5 2.21 149.60
1966.5 2.41 149.43
1967.5 2.37 149.47
1968.5 2.48 149.37
1969.5 2.67 149.21
1970.5 2.71 149.18
_________________________________________________________
Atomic Time, with the unit of duration the Systeme International (SI) second defined as the duration of 9,192,631,770 cycles of radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of the ground state of cesium 133.
TAI is the International Atomic Time scale, a statistical timescale based on a large number of atomic clocks.
Universal Time (UT) is counted from 0 hours at midnight, with unit of duration the mean solar day, defined to be as uniform as possible despite variations in the rotation of the Earth.
UT0 is the rotational time of a particular place of observation. It is observed as the diurnal motion of stars or extraterrestrial radio sources.
UT1 is computed by correcting UT0 for the effect of polar motion on the longitude of the observing site. It varies from uniformity because of the irregularities in the Earth's rotation.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) differs from TAI by an integral number of seconds. UTC is kept within 0.9 seconds of UT1 by the introduction of one-second steps to UTC, the "leap second." To date these steps have always been positive.
Dynamical Time replaced ephemeris time as the independent argument in dynamical theories and ephemerides. Its unit of duration is based on the orbital motions of the Earth, Moon, and planets.
Terrestrial Time (TT), (or Terrestrial Dynamical Time, TDT), with unit of duration 86400 SI seconds on the geoid, is the independent argument of apparent geocentric ephemerides. TDT = TAI + 32.184 seconds.
Barycentric Dynamical Time (TDB), is the independent argument of ephemerides and dynamical theories that are referred to the solar system barycenter. TDB varies from TT only by periodic variations.
Geocentric Coordinate Time (TCG) is a coordinate time having its spatial origin at the center of mass of the Earth. TCG differs from TT as: TCG - TT = Lg x (JD -2443144.5) x 86400 seconds, with Lg = 6.969291e-10.
Barycentric Coordinate Time (TCB)is a coordinate time having its spatial origin at the solar system barycenter. TCB differs from TDB in rate. The two are related by: TCB - TDB = iLb x (JD -2443144.5) x 86400 seconds, with Lb = 1.550505e-08.
Delta-T = (TDT-UT).
________________________________________________________
As Earth rotates on its axis, tidal friction is imposed on it through the gravitational attraction with the Moon and, to a lesser extent, the Sun. This secular acceleration gradually transfers angular momentum from Earth to the Moon. As Earth loses energy and slows down, the Moon gains this energy and its orbital period and distance from Earth increase.
R. F. Stephenson and collaborators have produced a number of seminal works in the field of Earth's rotation over the past several millennia. In particular, they have identified hundreds of eclipse and occultation observations in early European, Middle Eastern and Chinese annals, manuscripts, canons and records. In spite of their relatively low precision, these data represent our only record to the value of delta-T during the past several millennia.
In Atlas of Historical Eclipse Maps East Asia 1500 BC - AD 1900, Stephenson and Houlden (1986) present two empirically derived expressions to describe the behavior of delta-T prior to telescopic records (pre-1600):
(1) prior to 948 AD
delta-T (seconds) = 1830 - 405*t + 46.5*t^2
(t = centuries since 948 AD)
(2) 948 AD to 1600 AD
delta-T (seconds) = 22.5*t^2
(t = centuries since 1850 AD)
More recently, Stephenson presents a new analysis of most if not all known solar and lunar eclipses that occurred during the period -700 to +1600 (Historical Eclipses and Earth's Rotation, 1997). The new analysis uses a spline to fit the observations.
The following table lists values of delta-T (seconds) derived from Stephenson and Houlden (1986), along with Stephenson (1997) for comparison.
Year delta-T delta-T
(1986) (1997)
-2000 54181 - (all values in seconds)
-1900 51081 -
-1800 48073 -
-1700 45159 -
-1600 42338 -
-1500 39610 -
-1400 36975 -
-1300 34433 -
-1200 31984 -
-1100 29627 -
-1000 27364 -
-900 25194 -
-800 23117 -
-700 21133 -
-600 19242 -
-500 17444 16800
-400 15738 15300
-300 14126 14000
-200 12607 12800
-100 11181 11600
0 9848 10600
100 8608 9600
200 7461 8600
300 6406 7700
400 5445 6700
500 4577 5700
600 3802 4700
700 3120 3800
800 2531 3000
900 2035 2200
1000 1625 1600
1100 1265 1100
1200 950 750
1300 680 470
1400 455 300
1500 275 180
1600 140 110
References for Delta-T
- Morrison, L.V. and Ward, C. G., "An analysis of the transits of Mercury: 1677-1973", Mon. Not. Roy. Astron. Soc., 173, 183-206, 1975.
- Stephenson F.R and Houlden M.A., Atlas of Historical Eclipse Maps: East Asia 1500 BC - AD 1900, Cambridge Univ.Press., 1986.
- Stephenson F.R., Historical Eclipses and Earth's Rotation , Cambridge Univ.Press, 1997.
_______________________________________________________
===============================================================================
Author: Hannu K. J. Poropudas
Title: Using Coral as a Clock
===============================================================================
APPROXIMATE ANCIENT TIME FORMULA BASED ON FOSSIL DATA
Hannu K. J. Poropudas
(R&D Engineer, Nokia Telecommunications)
(E-Mail Address: poropuda@tnclus.tele.nokia.fi)
Vesaisentie 9E, 90900 Kiiminki, Finland
ABSTRACT
Time formula, also called fossil formula, gives an answer to the question:
how many mean solar days are in a tropical year at a certain point in time.
It is the simplest possible expression that has been worked out from
experimental fossil points (Eicher/Wells 1976, Pannella MacClintock
Thompson 1968 and Scrutton 1978).
The formula is intended for use mainly in the experimental fossil point's
area, which goes back, at maximum, as far as the approximately 3.556 (+ 0.032)
-
billion years old Warrawoona stromatolite fossils (The Cambridge Encyclopaedia
of Earth Sciences 1982 diagram page 357, Schopf 1983).
At the present, the time formula have been tested over an interval as far
back as 850 (+ 50) million years and consistency with the experimental points
-
looks good (formula's safe area of use).
TIME FORMULA
The time formula is the following expression given over the widest
possible time area. The time area can be limited on the basis of
experimental measurement data, if the deviations of the measured results
are, for example, greater than five to ten days.
2
M - A(T)* T - B(T)* T
N(T) = ---------------------
1 + C(T)* T
N(T) = Number of mean solar days in tropical year at the point T
T = time in uniform centuries
M = 365.2422
Here is taken into account lengthening of measured uniform mean
solar day as a first approximation (Allen 1973).
15 1 -8
1 + C* T = 1 + ----- * ----- * T = 1 + 1.7361 * 10 T
10000 86400
The uniform shortening formula of the tropical year (Allen 1973)
-6
365.24219878 - 6.16 * 10 T
has been corrected by one nonlinear term and also the coefficient of the
linear term has been corrected. As a first approximation the coefficients
A(T) and B(T) are also assumed to be constants.
If (N1, T1) and (N2, T2) are two fossil points and if C(T) is assumed
constant value then the coefficients of the formula have the following
values:
A = T2(M-N1)/T1/(T2-T1) - T1(M-N2)/T2/(T2-T1) + C*(N2T1-N1T2)/(T2-T1)
B = (M-N2)/T2/(T2-T1) - (M-N1)/T1/(T2-T1) + C*(N1-N2)/(T2-T1)
The coefficients of the terms are achieved from two reliable fossil points.
1. From coral fossil data approximately 400 million years ago. It has been
estimated that there were little over 400 days in a year at that time.
These fossil corals were ancient marine invertebrates that secreted
a microscopically thin layer of calsium carbonate each day; the layers laid
down in summer were thicker than those laid down in winter.
Estimations are based on careful countings of calcium carbonate layers in
fossil corals formed due to the changes of lightness of night and day
(The Cambridge Atlas of Astronomy 1985, Pages 55 and 54, Photograph:
J. C. Revy. The specimen is from the collection of the Brittish National
Museum of the Natural History).
2. From fossil data approximately 180 million years ago, when there were
approximately 381 days of that time in a year (Wells 1963).
-6 -13
A = 2.46 * 10 and B = 1.79 * 10 (in first time formula).
If fossil points from (Eicher 1976) are used.
1. From fossil data approximately 190 million years ago, when there were
approximately 382 days of that time in a year (Eicher/Wells 1976).
2. From fossil data approximately 395 million years ago, when there was
approximately 401 days of that time in a year (Eicher/Wells 1976).
then
-6 -14
A = 2.28 * 10 and B = 4.74 * 10 (in second time formula)
(see for basis growth increments in fossils: Rosenberg Runcorn 1975).
This seems to be a good form for the approximation even when C is afterwards
set to depend on T. This new setting is possible because the formula allows
quite wide range of variations of C's magnitude and it still gives a good
fit to the fossil data.
A(T) = T2(M-N1)/T1/(T2-T1) - T1(M-N2)/T2/(T2-T1) + C(T)*(N2T1-N1T2)/(T2-T1)
B(T) = (M-N2)/T2/(T2-T1) - (M-N1)/T1/(T2-T1) + C(T)*(N1-N2)/(T2-T1)
The best C(T) is achieved from Geologic Rock and Fossil Record Data, if
the distance between Earth and Moon can be estimated at different points
on the geologic time scale. Solar tides must also be accounted because
these tides speeds up Earth's rotation (see fossil data of past 500 million
years: Pannella MacClintock and Thompson 1968, and Scrutton 1978, Fig 8,
Page 185).
The coefficient of the asymptotic straight line for the month formula is
-7
about 2.60 * 10 from (Scrutton 1978) and the little uncertain period of
4
oscillation about this line is roughly 429.4 * 10 centuries from
(Pannella MacClintoc and Thompson 1968).
-7 4
P(T) = 29.53 - 2.60 * 10 * ( 1 - e*sin ( 2 P T / (429.4 * 10 )))* T
P(T)= number of mean solar days per synodic month at a certain
point T of time
0 <= e <= 1, (e = 1 in first approximation)
P = 3.14159 radians
(This month formula is not used because it is still under testings).
4
If dT = + 5 * 10 centuries and dN = + 0.5 mean solar days/tropical year
- -
are the accuracy of determination of the absolute age of the fossil samples,
and latter is roughly the accuracy of determination of the number of days in
year from fossil samples, then calculations gives the same order error
magnitudes as A and B themselves are, so at present accuracy the coefficients
cannot be estimated very reliable.
The coral and bivalve fossil data suggests that the value of derivative
of the time formula at the point T = 0 is (Schopf 1983):
-6
-(9.5 + 0.9) * 10 (coral data)
- -6
-(10.0 + 1.2) * 10 (bivalve data)
-
Further data (Schopf 1983):
(d W / dt) / (dW / dt) = 42 + 11 (coral data)
Earth Earth-Moon -
= 46 + 8 (bivalve data)
-
= 51 + 5 (modern astronomical data)
-
= 48 (present day value predicted by Kepler's third law and the
conservation of angular momentum)
TABLE OF CALCULATED VALUES COMPARED WITH THE FOSSIL DATA (FIRST TIME
FORMULA, WELL'S CORAL FOSSIL DATA)
The time formula give the following table with different values of T:
TABLE 1
4
1. = T / 10 (centuries)
2. = calculated value from the first time formula (days/year)
3. = calculated value from the second time formula (days/year)
7. = experimental value (days/year), (Wells 1963). 8. = era (end time).
1. 2. 3. 7. 8.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 365.24 365.24 365.24 Cenozoic
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 65 370.95 370.89 371 Cretaceous
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-135 377.07 377.07 377 Jurassic
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-180 381.00 381.10 381 Triassic
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-230 385.34 385.63 385 Permian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-280 389.67 390.22 390 Pennsylvanian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-310 392.26 393.01 393 Mississippian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-345 395.27 396.28 396 Devonian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<-405 400.42 401.96 >400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-405 400.42 401.96 402 Silurian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-425 402.14 403.88 Ordovician
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-500 408.53 411.15 412 Cambrian
(the fossil can be older)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-600 416.99 421.08 424 Precambrian
(no fossil evidence)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-390- 399.14- 400.53->400 Devonian (The Cambridge Atlas of)
-400 400.00 401.48 Astronomy 1985, p.55 and p.54)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WELL'S CORAL FOSSIL SAMPLES:
TABLE 2
WELL'S CORAL FOSSIL SAMPLES (1. Wells 1963 and 2. Wells 1970):
Era 1. Sample 1. Data 1.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pensylvanian Caninia 385 day layers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvanian Lophophyllidium 390 day layers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middle-Devonian Heliophyllum halli usually about 400 day layers,
(13 annual growth
increments) ranging between extremes of 385
Eridophyllum archiaci and 410
Favosites
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower-Silurian Holophragma calceoloides
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cambrian An estimation= 21-hr Cambrian day
(Munk MacDonald 1960).
Era 2. Sample 2. Data 2.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississippian Lithostrontion 398 day layers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississippian Lophophylldium 380 and 390 day layers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middle-Devonian Heliophyllum halli average of 398 with a range from
Eridophyllum archiaci 385 to 405.
(Fig. 3.)
Cylindrophyllum
Favosites
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middle-Silurian Holophragma calceoloides.
(Fig. 1. and 2.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middle Silurian Ketophyllum about 400 day layers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upper Ordovician Streptelasma about 412 day layers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cambrian Escherichia coli An estimation = 21-hr Cambrian
day (Halberg Conner 1961).
TABLE OF CALCULATED VALUES COMPARED WITH THE FOSSIL DATA, (SECOND TIME
FORMULA, WELL'S CORAL FOSSIL DATA)
The time formula the following table with different values of T:
TABLE 3
7. = experimental value (days/year), (Eicher/Wells 1976).
1. 2. 3. 7. 8.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 365.24 365.24 365.24 Cenozoic
------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 65 370.95 370.89 371 Cretaceous
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-136 377.16 377.16 377 Jurassic
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-190 381.87 382.00 382 Triassic
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-225 384.91 385.18 385 Permian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-280 389.67 390.22 390 Pennsylvanian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-325 393.55 394.41 394 Mississippian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-345 395.27 396.28 396 Devonian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-395 399.57 401.00 401 Silurian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-435 402.99 404.84 405 Ordovician
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-500 408.53 411.15 412 Cambrian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-570 414.46 418.07 421 Precambrian
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three coral species from Middle Devonian rocks of New York and Ontario,
the numerous counts range between 385 and 410 and they accumulate near the
median of 398.
AWRAMIK'S AND VANYO'S STROMATOLITE DATA FROM THE BITTER SPRINGS FORMATION,
(Anabaria Juvensis), CALCULATED AND THE FOSSIL DATA COMPARED
(FIRST AND SECOND TIME FORMULA)
(Vanyo Awramik 1985, error limit of the age determination 50 million years)
This research was supported in part by the NSF Grant EAR 83-03754 and is
contribution no. 145 of the Preston Cloud Research Laboratory.
All samples are in collections of the Preston Cloud Research Laboratory.
TABLE 4
7. = experimental value (days/year), (Vanyo Awramik 1985).
1. 2. 3. 7.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-850 437.83 447.19 435 (best) or 454 or 409 or 485
------------------------------------------------------------------------
This, approximately 850 million years old, stromatolite
investigated by Vanyo and Awramik had a wavy sinusoidal year growth
"wave length" of 87 mm in the best sample and the depth of a days growth
was 0.2 mm. This gave about 435 days in year at that time. Extreme values
were measured to be 409 and 485, and one measurement gave the value 454.
This wavy nature of the growth is due the point of view that the growth has
been directed towards the Sun and the same direction is repeated annually.
THE STROMATOLITE FROM THE AREA OF GREAT SLAVE LAKE (Hearne Formation) GSM 77325
(Jones 1981 and Schopf 1983, age determination is too inaccurate)
The specimen is stored in the collection of Institute of Geological
Sciences.
TABLE 5
7. = experimental value, Highest count=(days/month) ?,(Jones 1981,
Schopf 1983).
8. = experimental value, Mode=(days/(month/2))-(days/month) ?,
(Jones 1981, Schopf 1983).
9. = experimental value, Tidal cycles per year=( months/year ) ?,
(Pannella 1972 b).
1. 2. 3. 7. 8. 9.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-1790- 510.60- 567.10-
-2170 536.42 629.58 13
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pannella has estimated (Pannella 1972 b) that there have been about 13
tidal cycles in a year at that time. He has always counted two groups of
laminae of the stromatolite as a unit. The very clear accumulation in the
magnesium spectrum of the stromatolite laminations at the number 25 remains
unclear.
GSM 77325 spectrum:
Mg: 21-25-(33-34)-44-51-(75-76).
? -------
Si: 5-8-10-17-21-25-(26-28)-(35-36)-(43-45)-54-73-100.
-------
Al: 5-19-21-25-27-29-(30-36)-41-50-53.
----------
Ca: 8-11-17-21-25-27-34-43-46-(50-51)-66-81-101-121.
--
( )= between.
BULAWAYAN STROMATOLITE BUL-6/BUL-7 OR UCLA-BUL