Should the moon have its own time zone?

Should the moon have its own time zone? With dozens of lunar missions planned for the years ahead, some say there needs to be a system for lunar timekeeping.

Pacific Time, Eastern Time, Greenwich Mean Time — and one day, perhaps, Moon Time?

With dozens of lunar missions planned for the years ahead — including ones to build bases and other habitats on the moon — it may be time for some synchronicity, according to the European Space Agency.

Time in space is usually calculated based on the time on Earth, but as different nations plan to operate on and around the moon, it may require a universal method for lunar timekeeping.

A standard, agreed-upon time zone for the moon will not only ease collaboration between space agencies around the world, but could ensure more precise guidance and navigation on the lunar surface.

There are, however, some significant hurdles, according to European space officials. For one, it’s not yet clear if a single space agency should be responsible for establishing and maintaining “moon time.” And if a new time zone is created, should it be tied to time on Earth, or function as its own thing entirely?

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/moon-time-zone-rcna72459

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