Recent research has revealed that moonquakes, rather than meteoroid impacts, are primarily responsible for altering the terrain near the Apollo 17 landing site. Conducted by scientists from the University of Maryland and published in the journal Science Advances, the study indicates the presence of an active fault that has been producing seismic activity for millions of years. While this discovery poses minimal risk to short-duration missions, it raises concerns for the safety of long-term lunar bases.
The study, led by Thomas R. Watters, Senior Scientist Emeritus at the Smithsonian Institution, and Nicholas Schmerr, Associate Professor of Geology at the University of Maryland, analyzed geological samples and observations from the Apollo 17 mission, which took place in 1972. Their findings suggest that the shifting landscape in the Taurus-Littrow valley is the result of moonquakes with magnitudes around 3.0. These quakes are linked to the Lee-Lincoln fault, a tectonic feature cutting through the valley floor.
Moonquakes and Their Implications for Future Missions
The researchers found that the moonquakes have been occurring repeatedly over the last 90 million years. This ongoing seismic activity points to the possibility that the Lee-Lincoln fault may still be active, which could have significant implications for future lunar exploration. Schmerr emphasized the need for mission planners to consider the risks associated with building near these geological features. “We want to ensure that our exploration of the moon is done safely and that investments are carefully thought out,” he stated.
Despite a likelihood of only one in 20 million for a damaging quake on any given day, researchers caution that the cumulative risk increases significantly over time for long-term missions. For instance, a decade-long mission could elevate that risk to approximately one in 5,500. This statistic highlights the necessity of assessing potential hazards as NASA advances its plans under the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the lunar surface.
Recommendations for Future Lunar Infrastructure
Watters and Schmerr recommend that future lunar infrastructure avoid building directly on or near scarps and active faults. They propose the installation of advanced seismic instruments to monitor lunar seismic activity more effectively than was possible during the Apollo missions. “The farther away from a scarp, the lesser the hazard,” Watters noted, suggesting that careful planning is essential to mitigate risks associated with these geological features.
The research received backing from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, which has been crucial in gathering data about the moon’s surface and seismic activity since its launch in 2009. This collaboration underscores the importance of integrating scientific research with mission planning, ensuring that future lunar endeavors prioritize both exploration and safety.
As NASA continues its preparations for upcoming Artemis missions, the findings from this study highlight the need for a renewed focus on lunar paleoseismology, the study of ancient seismic activity on the moon. By advancing knowledge in this field, scientists can better inform future missions and establish safe operational protocols for astronauts on the lunar surface.
