What's a moon wobble? It could mean severe flooding across the globe
Moon wobbles have been recorded ever since the 18th century, but this time within the next 10 to 15 years we could actually see catastrophic effects from it, even right here in Texas
"Moon wobble, or sometimes we, in astronomy, like to call moon libration is basically the natural tilt and wobble of the moon because it rotates on its axis like the earth does." -Michelle Risse, the Scobee Planetarium Coordinator at San Antonio College
One of the things about the moon is that it has a very elongated orbit and it’s off-centered, so every 18.6 years, it does this unique wobbling going around the earth.
Risse says it’s all about the rising high tides.
"In the year 2030, they’re predicting the moon is going to get closer, well moon affects our tides, the closer the moon is, the more gravitational pull the moon has so the water rises." -Says Risse
With oceans water levels forecasted to rise just two inches, it could mean the difference between a severe flood and a catastrophic flood.
"For many coastal cities that get these huge king tides that come in, it could mean coastal cities and/or neighborhoods be washed away." adds Risse
Long term effects may be felt for all Texans.
"Maybe in the long run, you can have people slowly start to migrate from those cities because they can’t handle the incoming water. So even people for like here in San Antonio, we may see an influx from people from the coast." states Risse
According to researchers at NASA, almost all U.S. Mainland coastlines, Hawaii, and Guam will see a leap in flood numbers.
