Scientific studies show that the Moon is getting farther away from the Earth and slower in its revolution. Will luni-solar calendars need an intercalary month more often or less often?
Luni-solar calendars will need an intercalary month less often.
If the Moon is getting farther from Earth and revolving slower, each lunar month will take longer to complete.
This means the lunar year (12 lunar months) will be closer in length to the solar year of 365 days.
Since the difference between lunar and solar years would decrease, the accumulated difference that requires correction through an intercalary month would build up more slowly.
Explanation
The chapter explains that luni-solar calendars add an intercalary month (Adhika Maasa) every few years because the 12 lunar months add up to only 354 days, falling short by about 11 days compared to the solar year. This accumulated difference of about 11 days per year reaches approximately one month every 2-3 years, requiring an intercalary month. If the Moon's revolution period increases (slower revolution), the lunar month becomes longer, reducing the gap between lunar and solar years, thus requiring intercalary months less frequently.
Solution Steps
Luni-solar calendars will need an intercalary month less often
The Moon is getting farther from Earth and revolving slower
Each lunar month will take longer to complete
The lunar year will be closer in length to the solar year of 365 days
The accumulated difference requiring correction would build up more slowly