Moon is shrinking! Earth’s natural satellite is witnessing unprecedented landslides – here’s why – Science News

The Moon is shrinking, as per a recent study. According to the study, Earth’s moon is gradually shrinking and its circumference has reduced over 150 feet in the last few hundred million years as its interior cooled. This contraction induces surface creases and faults, resembling the wrinkles of a raisin. Yet, unlike a raisin, the Moon’s surface is brittle rather than flexible. Faults emerge as crustal sections press against each other, leading to a decrease in circumference. The continuous shrinkage poses a potential hazard in locations designated for human landings.

A recent study published in the Planetary Science Journal has established a connection between seismic data from past Apollo missions and newly identified surface faults in the moon’s south pole region. Notably, this region encompasses sites under consideration by NASA for future Artemis crewed landings. This isn’t mere theoretical speculation; the research team has correlated the latest cluster of faults in the moon’s south polar area with one of the most potent moonquakes recorded by Apollo seismometers more than 50 years ago. Furthermore, through simulations assessing the stability of slopes in the region, the scientists have pinpointed specific zones that are particularly susceptible to earthquake-induced landslides.

Implications

The moon’s surface, comprised of dry, solid gravel, and dust, has been reshaped over billions of years by impacts from asteroids and comets, resulting in scattered fragments of various sizes. The loosely packed, reworked surface, ranging from tiny particles to large boulders, is susceptible to shaking and landslides.

With NASA gearing up for its inaugural crewed mission in late 2024, prioritizing astronaut safety and the durability of lunar infrastructure is paramount. This involves a comprehensive understanding of the Moon’s seismic patterns, the identification and mapping of high-risk zones, and the development of engineering solutions capable of withstanding lunar tremors.

Nicholas Schmerr, a co-author of the study and an associate professor of geology at the University of Maryland, emphasizes the importance of this work as the crewed Artemis mission’s launch date approaches. He states, “As we get closer to the crewed Artemis mission’s launch date, it’s important to keep our astronauts, our equipment and infrastructure as safe as possible. This work is helping us prepare for what awaits us on the moon—whether that’s engineering structures that can better withstand lunar seismic activity or protecting people from really dangerous zones.”