The Moon Is Shrinking and Quaking: A New Threat to Lunar Exploration
The Moon, long cherished as a beacon of natural light and poetic inspiration in the night sky, is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Imagine gazing at its silver orb only to see it appear smaller and contracted. Science now confirms this isn't an illusion—the Moon is quietly shrinking, akin to a cooling apple wrinkling its skin, and this process is generating new faults that rumble with moonquakes.
Why Is the Moon Shrinking and What Does It Mean for Earth?
Researchers at the National Air and Space Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies have uncovered that the Moon is contracting due to internal cooling, leading to the formation of thousands of surface cracks. This discovery reveals 1,114 new cracks, specifically in lunar maria—the vast basaltic plains formed by ancient volcanic activity—expanding beyond the previously known highland regions.
Since 2010, scientists have observed lobate scarps in the lunar highlands, where compression thrusts the crust upward. Now, similar features called "small mare ridges" (SMRs) have been identified blanketing the maria, which are impact basins created by collisions with cosmic debris. Lead author Cole Nypaver emphasized, "Since the Apollo era, we've known about the prevalence of lobate scarps throughout the lunar highlands, but this is the first time scientists have documented the widespread prevalence of similar features throughout the lunar mare." This finding, published in Science Advances, marks a significant shift in our understanding of lunar geology.
Cataloging the Cracks: A Global Picture of a Dynamic Moon
The research team cataloged a total of 2,634 cracks moon-wide, with the 1,114 new SMRs averaging 124 million years old, making them among the youngest geological features on the lunar surface. Tom Watters, who first discovered these cracks in 2010, noted, "Our detection of young, small ridges in the maria, and our discovery of their cause, completes a global picture of a dynamic, contracting moon." This tectonic activity is not just a passive process; it actively generates moonquakes, posing a direct threat to future human habitats and exploration efforts.
Impact on Future NASA Missions: A Seismic Challenge
This tectonic buzz means moonquakes are a reality, presenting bad news for planned lunar bases. The newly identified faults could jolt habitats, endangering astronauts and infrastructure. Nypaver expressed hope that data from upcoming missions will mitigate these risks, stating, "Upcoming lunar exploration programs, such as Artemis, will provide a wealth of new information about our moon. A better understanding of lunar tectonics and seismic activity will directly benefit the safety and scientific success of those and future missions." As NASA prepares for the Artemis program, this research underscores the urgent need to address lunar seismic hazards to ensure mission safety and longevity.
