Scientists have revealed the impact the Moon's shrinkage could have on future space missions.
So far, there have been six successful space missions that have landed humans on the moon, and there are sure to be more to come.
However, the shrinking circumference of the Moon poses increasing risks to astronauts.
A team of lunar scientists investigated how the Moon's contraction affects its surface, as part of a study entitled: Tectonics and earthquakes in the lunar south polar region It was published by the American Astronomical Society in the journal Planetary Science on January 25.
The study investigates how the Moon shrinks. Its surface pushes upward and forms wrinkles, and one part of the Moon is affected by this more than any other – the south polar region.
Well, the team of scientists discovered that the surface of the area has become more wrinkled as a result of a moonquake that occurred over 50 years ago.
The lunar earthquake was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded by the Apollo seismometers. A moonquake, similar to an earthquake, is capable of causing similar levels of destruction such as building damage. However, moonquakes can last for hours compared to most earthquakes which last for seconds or minutes.
“You can think of the Moon's surface as being dry and ground with gravel and dust,” explains co-author Professor Nicholas Schmer, of the University of Maryland, as quoted by the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. “Over billions of years, the surface has been battered by asteroids and comets, with angular fragments ejected.” Constantly resulting from influences.
“As a result, the size of the reworked surface material can range from the size of a micron to the size of a boulder, but it is all very loosely consolidated. The loose sediments make it very possible for vibrations and landslides to occur.”
The team then used modeling to map weaker places on the Moon, which could be more affected by moonquakes, and thus vulnerable to landslides.
“Our models suggest that shallow lunar earthquakes capable of producing strong Antarctic earthquakes are possible from slip events on existing faults or formation of faults,” adds Thomas R. Waters, senior scientist emeritus at the National Air and Space Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies and lead author of the study. New payment.”
Obviously, this could affect astronauts trying to land on the Moon or their safety while they are on it.
As NASA's manned Artemis III mission lands on this part of the moon, Watter warns: “The global distribution of emerging thrust faults, their ability to be active and the potential for the formation of new thrust faults from ongoing global contraction should be taken into account when planning.” Location and stability of permanent outposts on the moon.”
“As we approach the launch date of the manned Artemis mission, it is important to keep our astronauts, equipment and infrastructure as safe as possible,” Shamir decides.
“This work helps 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 areas.”
