The study says that the moon is shrinking and this may affect space missions

The moon is waning. At least that's what the study says published By researchers from the University of Maryland in the United States. Despite this, they are not in danger of extinction. At least not for the next few hundred million years. Change is slow, but it could be enough to cause landslides and earthquakes around the world South Pole From a natural satellite, this is not good news.

It is precisely for this reason that NASA plans to install a space station to receive astronauts in the near future. Of course, the instability of this region directly affects the situation Quality of missions And the safety of travelers on the moon.

Modeling developed in the study indicates that slip events on existing faults or the formation of new faults are capable of generating strong tremors in the polar region. Researchers point out the need to take into account the distribution of these faults and their potential impact when planning their location Permanent outposts.

The study focused on analysis Lobed slopesbroad hills that scientists believe were formed from Tectonic activity. Analyzes of the lunar surface were made based on recent images taken by the spacecraft Lunar reconnaissance vehiclea spacecraft that was launched into orbit around the moon for the first time in 2009, in addition to a group of recordings collected by seismometers that were installed during Apollo missions Which worked until 1977.

According to scientists, data indicate that one of The strongest earthquakes Recorded by Apollo seismometers, it would have lasted several hours and arrived Size 5It may be caused by a lobed cliff located on the south side.

Astronomers point out that the moon Particularly sensitive Landslides, and it doesn't take much for dangerous events to occur. This is because the moon's surface has been dry for thousands of years Hit by asteroids and comets, and eject fragments from collisions into space. This covered the surface of the moon Loose sedimentThis makes it possible for tremors resulting from collisions between different objects and landslides.

However, it should be noted that data on the frequency and location of lunar tremors is still lacking LimitedWhich directly affects the quality of this type of study. Despite this, the presented results provide new perspectives on this topic Geological activity of our natural satellite and could be useful in planning future lunar missions.

“As we approach the launch date of the crewed Artemis mission, it is important to keep our astronauts, equipment, and infrastructure as safe as possible,” Nicholas Schmir, co-author of the study and a professor of geology at the University of Maryland, said in a note. .