The Moon in Shrinking and it can causes problem in the Artemis mission

The Moon in Shrinking and it can causes problem in the Artemis mission

As Earth's faithful companion for billions of years, the Moon has captivated humanity with its luminous presence and enigmatic allure. However, beneath its serene facade lies a dynamic world undergoing subtle yet profound changes. Recent scientific discoveries have revealed a startling reality: the Moon is slowly shrinking. This lunar contraction once considered a mere hypothesis, now stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of celestial bodies. In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of the shrinking Moon, delving into its implications and the fascinating processes driving this lunar transformation.

NASA has known it for years. It has been a piece of common knowledge for the general population who care to look up science news.

The cause for the shrinking of the moon is that the interior of the moon is cooling. Therefore because of the cooling of the core, the crust of the moon which is very brittle is cracking. This creates thrust faults where one piece of crust can slide over another. This phenomenon is same when the earthquakes occur on the Earth. Therefore, on the moon, these abrupt changes result in the moonquakes.

This was all common knowledge in the scientific community. A recent report is making headlines and has brought this topic to the attention of the masses again.

A new study published in the peer-reviewed Planetary Science Journal shows some of these faults are near potential landing sites for NASA's Artemis III mission and could be an issue for long-term lunar settlements.

Artemis III plans to land astronauts near the moon's south pole, which contains water ice, among other vital resources. It would be the first time a human has set foot on the lunar surface since 1972.

Even small tremors at the moon's south pole could trigger landslides, according to a NASA press release, which may be dangerous to astronauts.

That said, "short-term missions like Artemis III are not likely a risk because strong shallow moonquakes are infrequent," Tom Watters, lead author of the paper, told Newsweek.

The bigger risk is to long-term settlements like those that NASA envisions to happen by 2030.

"We're going to be sending people down to the surface and they're going to be living on that surface and doing science," the lead of NASA's Orion lunar spacecraft program, told the BBC in 2022.

As the moon continues to slowly shrink, it will lead to new thrust faults and this "should be considered when planning the location and stability of permanent outposts on the moon," Watters said in a recent statement.

The lunar landscape bears witness to the relentless forces sculpting its surface. One of the primary mechanisms behind the Moon's gradual shrinkage is the phenomenon known as "moonquakes." Unlike terrestrial earthquakes, which result from tectonic plate movements, moonquakes arise from the Moon's cooling and contraction. As the Moon loses heat accumulated from its formation, its interior cools and contracts, causing the surface to wrinkle and crack. These seismic tremors, though less frequent and intense than their Earthly counterparts, provide valuable insights into the Moon's geological evolution.

Furthermore, the lunar surface bears unmistakable scars of its tumultuous history. Scarps, or cliffs, stretch across vast lunar plains, serving as tangible evidence of past geologic activity. These thrust faults, created as the Moon's crust compresses due to internal stresses, contribute to its gradual contraction. Through meticulous analysis of images captured by spacecraft and lunar rovers, scientists have meticulously documented the Moon's changing topography, unraveling the mysteries of its shrinking silhouette.

Moreover, the implications of the Moon's contraction extend beyond the realm of geology. Its diminishing dimensions hold profound implications for future lunar exploration and scientific endeavors. As the Moon shrinks, its crust becomes more unstable, potentially leading to increased seismic activity and the formation of new geological features. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring the safety of future lunar missions and the viability of lunar habitats.

Furthermore, the Moon's shrinking size offers a unique window into the early history of our solar system. By studying its geological features and conducting precise measurements, scientists can unravel the mysteries of its formation and evolution. The Moon serves as a cosmic time capsule, preserving invaluable clues about the conditions that prevailed during the solar system's infancy.

In the vast tapestry of the cosmos, the Moon stands as a testament to the relentless forces shaping our celestial neighborhood. Its gradual contraction, though imperceptible to the naked eye, unveils a dynamic world in a state of perpetual flux. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of the shrinking Moon, they pave the way for a deeper understanding of planetary evolution and the forces that govern our universe. With each seismic tremor and subtle shift in its surface, the Moon offers a glimpse into the timeless dance of cosmic forces—a reminder of the boundless wonders that await exploration beyond the confines of our earthly realm.