Narrator:
Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to our program. Today, we have with us the esteemed Gurudev Shri Shangkhapa Maharaj and the renowned meteorologist, Mr. Sujit Kar. Welcome, Sujit-da, and pranam to you, Gurudev.
Narrator:
Today's discussion revolves around the Moon's orbit around the Earth. We have been noticing a slight shift in the Moon's axis, and we would like to understand what this means for our planet. Gurudev, could you start by sharing your thoughts?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
You see, for the past few years, we have frequently observed the Moon appearing red. According to ancient scriptures, a blood-colored moon signifies turmoil and bloodshed on Earth. We have seen this for some time. But recently, the Moon has appeared clearer and more transparent. However, I've noticed that its position seems to have shifted slightly. It was tilted, but now it appears straighter. Sujit, could you explain the reason behind this and the potential impact it might have on Earth?
Sujit Kar:
Namaskar to everyone. To address your first point about the color change, the light from the Moon reaches us through our atmosphere. The density of the atmospheric layers is changing rapidly due to various factors like seasonal shifts and pollution levels. This affects how we perceive the Moon's color at different times of the year.
Sujit Kar:
Coming to the main topic—the shift in the Moon's orbit. Think of it like two people holding hands and spinning in a circle. As long as they maintain their grip and distance, they stay in a stable orbit. In our solar system, the Sun is the primary gravitational force. Every planet and satellite exerts a pull on each other, maintaining their respective orbits.
Sujit Kar:
However, the Sun is constantly losing mass due to solar flares and internal explosions. As the Sun's mass decreases, its gravitational pull weakens. This affects the balance of the entire solar system.
Sujit Kar:
On Earth, we are seeing significant changes. Tectonic plate movements, earthquakes, and the release of lava from the Earth's core are altering the planet's mass distribution. Furthermore, the massive melting of polar ice and glaciers is redistributing weight from the poles to the oceans. This shift in mass distribution affects the gravitational relationship between the Earth and the Moon.
Sujit Kar:
As a result, the Moon is being pulled closer to the Earth. The distance between them could decrease by as much as 12,000 kilometers. This reduction in distance will significantly increase the Moon's gravitational pull on Earth's oceans.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
So, what does this mean for our tides?
Sujit Kar:
Currently, we see the highest tides during the new moon and full moon phases. But with the Moon being closer, we could see high tides starting as early as the eighth day of the lunar cycle. The height of the tides could increase by 2 to 3 meters.
Sujit Kar:
When you combine this with the increasing frequency of cyclones in regions like the Bay of Bengal, the results could be catastrophic. During Cyclone Yaas, we saw how high tides combined with the storm's power led to massive flooding. If the Moon's pull increases further, sea levels could rise by up to 11 meters—nearly 33 feet. This would submerge many coastal cities, including Kolkata, London, and several cities on the East Coast of North America.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is a very serious concern. Besides the tides, how will this affect human health?
Sujit Kar:
The Moon's gravitational pull also affects the fluids in the human body, particularly blood circulation. People with high blood pressure or heart conditions are already advised to be careful during full and new moons. If the gravitational pull increases, the risk of strokes and other circulatory issues could rise significantly.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It's interesting you say that. Scientists and NASA have also predicted that by 2030, nearly 70% of coastal cities could face severe flooding due to these changes.
Sujit Kar:
Exactly. This is part of a larger cycle of climate change. Earth has gone through such phases before, like the end of an ice age. When one era ends, it often leads to the extinction of the dominant species, which in this case, is humans. The Earth will eventually recycle and find a new balance, but it could take millions of years for life to thrive again.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We have seen evidence of this in history. If you search the ocean floor, you will find remains of ancient cities and houses that were once above water. Even the Titanic is a modern reminder of what lies beneath. While we shouldn't live in fear, we must acknowledge that nature follows its own path. We are witnessing the signs of a new era.
Narrator:
Thank you, Gurudev and Sujit-da, for this eye-opening discussion. It is clear that the changes in the lunar orbit and our planet's climate are interconnected and require our attention. We hope our viewers found this discussion informative.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Blessings to all.
Sujit Kar:
Namaskar.
Narrator:
Thank you for joining us today.