Decades-old moonquake data from Apollo missions show that strong tremors near the Moon’s south pole are connected to fault lines and landslides.
The new study published in The Planetary Science Journal indicates that the Moon is still shrinking. This shrinking process is causing its surface to develop cracks and fractures.
This could be a big problem for astronauts planning to explore the Moon and set up long-term bases in the future.
Back in 2010, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data showed that the Moon was shrinking, similar to how a raisin shrinks. Scientists believed this happened because the Moon’s insides were cooling down, leaving lots of cliffs on its surface.
In 2019, scientists discovered that the Moon is still experiencing moonquakes, causing it to shrink by about 150 feet over millions of years.
Recently, researchers reanalyzed seismic data from the Apollo missions to study the Moon’s south pole. This area is full of craters and rocks and is important for scientists and future space travelers.
“Our study shows that shallow moonquakes, which can cause strong shaking, may happen in the south pole area due to slipping on existing faults or the creation of new thrust faults,” said Thomas Watters, the lead author and senior scientist at the National Air and Space Museum.
This movement could greatly impact future missions aiming to land human astronauts in the region.
“The locations and stability of permanent outposts on the Moon need to be carefully planned, considering the global distribution of young thrust faults and their potential to be active,” Watters explained.
Scientists warn that moonquakes caused by interior movements could be powerful enough to damage human-made structures, such as habitats.
This is concerning because these quakes can last for hours, unlike the shorter earthquakes we experience on Earth.
“The moon’s surface is like dry gravel and dust,” explained coauthor Nicholas Schmerr, an associate professor of geology at the University of Maryland. “Over billions of years, it’s been hit by asteroids and comets, breaking up the surface into small and large fragments that can be easily moved by impacts.”
“As a result, the surface material can range from tiny particles to large rocks, but it’s all very loosely packed,” he continued. “This loose sediment makes it prone to shaking and landslides.”
Thankfully, we have detailed information about the Moon’s seismic activity dating back to the late 1960s, which can help us determine where to safely place our settlements.
This is becoming increasingly important because NASA plans to send humans back to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years with the Artemis mission.
“As we approach the launch of the crewed Artemis mission, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of our astronauts, equipment, and infrastructure,” Schmerr emphasized.
“This research helps us prepare for what we’ll encounter on the Moon — whether that means designing structures to withstand lunar earthquakes or avoiding hazardous areas,” he added.
