The moon, which orbits the Earth, is getting smaller, and scientists are trying to understand what this means.
A specific area on the moon, the lunar south pole, has become a focal point for international interest and exploration because it may contain water ice. However, new research funded by NASA suggests that this region might be less suitable for human settlements than previously thought.
Last year, India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in the lunar south pole, sparking interest in the area. NASA’s Artemis III mission and China also plan to explore and potentially establish habitats there. But the recent study raises concerns about the moon’s changing conditions. As the moon’s core cools and contracts, its surface develops creases, leading to “moonquakes” and landslides.
The study, led by Thomas R. Watters, a scientist from the National Air and Space Museum, emphasizes that the moon is not as inactive as once believed. The moon has shrunk over the years, causing its surface to crack and form faults. These faults can lead to moonquakes, and the study connects a powerful moonquake to faults in the lunar south pole.
While the findings won’t impact NASA’s Artemis III mission, the study highlights the potential risks for future lunar settlements. Moonquakes, equivalent to moderate earthquakes on Earth, could pose challenges for astronauts. The lower gravity on the moon might make ground acceleration feel more intense.
Despite these concerns, researchers like Renee Weber from NASA suggest that short-term missions, like Artemis III, are at a low risk. The study also suggests that moonquakes could be an essential tool for scientific exploration, providing insights into the moon’s interior structure and current activity.
Yosio Nakamura, a geophysics professor, disagrees about the cause of moonquakes but agrees on the need for more data. He emphasizes the potential threat to future landing missions and the importance of understanding these seismic sources.