"Human Impact on the Moon: Entering the Lunar Anthropocene"

A trio of academics argues that human activity has altered the moon's environment, marking the beginning of a new age called the "Lunar Anthropocene." They propose that the Lunar Anthropocene began in 1959 when the Soviet Luna 2 probe crash-landed on the lunar surface. Since then, humans have left various artifacts on the moon, including landers, flags, scientific experiments, and even human waste. The authors believe that recognizing the Lunar Anthropocene is crucial for preserving these artifacts and raising awareness about our impact on the moon's surface. They suggest that space exploration on the moon should be protected as cultural heritage.