Researchers from the Smithsonian Institution have produced the first map of ridges on the Moon that suggest tectonic activity important for future human exploration and settlement on the lunar surface.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. have created the first detailed map of ridges extending across the vast lunar plains, which indicates significant tectonic activity. This research is crucial for future efforts to return humanity to the Moon and establish a permanent presence there. The study opens up new considerations regarding the Moon's geological activity that could impact exploration missions.
The map highlights ridges formed from ancient volcanic eruptions that once filled basins created by large meteor impacts billions of years ago. These so-called 'lunar seas' are expansive dark plains visible from Earth, despite their misleading name suggesting the presence of water. The findings indicate that the Moon's geological landscape has continued to evolve and show that these ridges formed relatively recently in the Moon's four billion-year history, suggesting ongoing geological processes.
Consequently, understanding this tectonic activity is vital for planning future lunar missions, as it may have implications for land use, construction, and the safety of potential habitats on the Moon. This research indicates that previous assumptions regarding the Moon's geological inactivity need to be reassessed, making it a significant consideration for international space agencies and future lunar settlers.
