How Fast Is Moon's Earth Approach/Recession?

The Moon is creeping away from Earth at 3.8 cm per year — measured precisely thanks to laser reflectors left on the Moon's surface by Apollo astronauts. Earth's tides slowly transfer rotational energy to the Moon's orbit, and the day lengthens fractionally as a result.

Earth's day is gradually getting longer because of the Moon's recession — about 1.7 milliseconds per century.

• About the same pace as fingernails grow
• Roughly 3× faster than tectonic plates drift