Lunar reference timescale

Abstract Setting up a relativistic lunar reference frame is of a prime importance in the context of future exploration missions to the Moon. If the procedure for building a consistent reference frame within the framework of the general theory of relativity is well established (see resolutions B.3 of International Astronomical Union 2000), there is still some freedom in the choice of the coordinate timescale to be adopted as reference in the lunar region. In this paper, we review the orders of magnitude of the relativistic effects resulting from (i) the gravitational redshift of a clock on the lunar surface and (ii) the time transformations between a clock on the surface of the Moon and a clock on the surface of the Earth. We then discuss possible options for a lunar reference timescale with their advantages and drawbacks, taking note that the solution which is adopted for the Moon shall then be reemployed for Mars and other planets. Finally, we propose possible realizations of the lunar reference timescale as well as its traceability to UTC.