Moonquakes could pose risk to astronauts, bases
A new study using Apollo 17 data warns that moonquakes—small but real tremors—could be a big problem for future Moon bases.
The Taurus-Littrow valley, a spot NASA once visited, has seen millions of years of seismic activity, adding another challenge on top of the Moon's harsh temperatures and radiation.
Researchers found these quakes are tied to active faults
Researchers found these quakes are tied to active faults in the Taurus-Littrow valley.
Even though they're only about magnitude 3.0, their shallow depth means they can shake up the surface enough to cause landslides and move boulders—bad news for anything built nearby.
While short visits have a low risk
While short visits have a low risk (about 1 in 20 million per day), longer missions could see that jump to 1 in 5,500 each year.
That means more time on the Moon equals more chances of getting rattled by a quake.
Don't build lunar bases near fault scarps
The advice? Don't build lunar bases near fault scarps—the cracks where quakes happen most.
NASA's Artemis program is planning better monitoring with new instruments and imagery so future explorers can stay safe while living and working on the Moon.