"Scientists Call for Recognition of 'Lunar Anthropocene' Era on the Moon"

Scholars from the University of Kansas argue that it's time to recognize a new geological epoch on the moon called the Lunar Anthropocene, which they believe began in 1959 with the landing of the USSR's Luna 2 spacecraft. They emphasize that human activities, including spacecraft landings, rovers, and footprints, have significantly disturbed the moon's regolith (surface material) and call for discussions on the impact of human activities on the lunar environment. They also highlight the need to protect lunar sites with historical and anthropological value and propose the preservation of lunar artifacts as part of a "space heritage" field.