What's happened
A recent study reveals that the Moon has shrunk by 45m over the past few hundred million years, causing its surface to become more creased and leading to moonquakes. This phenomenon could complicate future efforts to build a lunar base, particularly at the southern pole, a potential site for a lunar colony.
Why it matters
The Moon's shrinking size and the resulting moonquakes pose challenges for future lunar missions and the establishment of a permanent research base. Understanding these geological changes is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of human outposts on the Moon.
What the papers say
According to The Times, the study warns that the Moon's shrinkage could hamper NASA's Artemis 3 mission and the establishment of a lunar colony. The Independent highlights the potential dangers posed by moonquakes near fault zones to future human explorers. Metro likens the Moon's shrinking to a drying-out grape, leading to surface changes and moonquakes.
How we got here
The Moon has been gradually shrinking over the past few hundred million years as its core cools. This shrinkage has caused significant surface warping, particularly in the Moon's south pole region, which is crucial for future human habitation and exploration.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
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The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. At about one-quarter the diameter of Earth, it is the fifth largest satellite in the Solar System, the largest satellite in the Solar System relative to its major planet, and larger than any known dwarf planet.