"Shrinking Moon Causing Unprecedented Quakes Near Artemis Landing Sites"

NASA-funded study reveals that moonquakes and faults near the lunar South Pole, caused by the Moon's gradual cooling and shrinking, are present in areas identified for the Artemis III mission. The study suggests that shallow moonquakes capable of strong ground shaking are possible, and the formation of new thrust faults should be considered when planning lunar outposts. Data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter shows thousands of young thrust faults and their potential for seismic activity, impacting the stability of surface slopes and areas with resources like ice. NASA emphasizes the need for new seismic data to understand the lunar seismic hazard and is committed to using LRO data to aid in planning for the return to the Moon.