The Moon is Still Shifting: New Discoveries and What They Mean for Future Lunar Missions
As humanity sets its sights on establishing a sustained presence on the Moon, understanding the lunar landscape – and its hidden dangers – is becoming increasingly critical. Recent research has revealed the Moon isn’t the geologically static body it was once believed to be. Scientists have uncovered evidence of ongoing tectonic activity, specifically through the identification of thousands of previously unknown ridges across the lunar maria, the dark plains on the Moon’s surface.
Shrinking Moon, Shifting Ground
For years, scientists have known the Moon is slowly shrinking as its interior cools. This contraction creates stress within the lunar crust, leading to the formation of ridges and, crucially, the potential for moonquakes. A team of researchers created the first global map detailing these “small mare ridges” (SMRs), subtle geological features that signal this ongoing tectonic activity. The findings, published in The Planetary Science Journal, show these ridges are relatively young and widespread.
A small mare ridge in Northeast Mare Imbrium taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera.
Moonquakes and the Future of Lunar Exploration
These SMRs are formed by the same forces that cause moonquakes, raising concerns for upcoming missions. The presence of these features suggests the Moon may have experienced more global contraction recently than previously thought. Identifying potential seismic hotspots is crucial for the safety of long-term lunar exploration and the establishment of permanent outposts.
NASA’s Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the Moon, is already taking these findings into account. The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in March, and future Artemis missions plan to land astronauts and build infrastructure. A Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, to be delivered by the Artemis 3 mission, will detect seismic activity in the lunar south polar region.
Beyond NASA: Private Sector and Lunar Resources
NASA isn’t alone in its lunar ambitions. Private companies are also looking to establish a long-term presence on the Moon. Interlune plans to mine helium-3, a valuable isotope for clean energy and quantum computing. Elon Musk has also discussed building a moon base to launch AI satellites. Understanding where moonquakes are more likely to occur will be vital for site selection for these ventures.
Cole Nypaver, a researcher at the National Air and Space Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, noted that upcoming missions carrying seismometers will target areas with SMRs and other potential quake sources. “By identifying a new population of tectonic features in the lunar maria, our work provides additional targets for those missions that seek to use moonquakes to better understand our closest celestial neighbor.”
Did you know?
The Moon has shrunk by roughly 50 meters in diameter over hundreds of millions of years due to its cooling interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are moonquakes? Moonquakes are seismic events on the Moon, similar to earthquakes on Earth, but generally weaker.
- Are moonquakes dangerous? While generally weaker than earthquakes, moonquakes could pose a hazard to lunar habitats and equipment.
- What are small mare ridges (SMRs)? SMRs are subtle geological features on the lunar maria that indicate tectonic activity and potential moonquake sources.
- How is the Moon shrinking? The Moon is shrinking as its interior cools and contracts.
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