The Moon Is Shrinking: Challenges Ahead For Lunar Colonization

A new study reveals that the Moon is gradually shrinking, losing up to 100 meters in circumference over the last few 100 million years. This shrinkage, caused by cooling in its core, is leading to significant surface warping in parts of the Moon's south pole. The areas affected include areas designated for NASA's crewed Artemis III landings. The Moon's shrinkage is accompanied by seismic activity like moonquakes, which can last for hours. Researchers from the University of Maryland warn that locations near fault zones could pose dangers to future human explorers and settlements. "You can think of the Moon’s surface as being dry, grounded gravel and dust. Over billions of years, the surface has been hit by asteroids and comets...Loose sediments make it very possible for shaking and landslides to occur", said Nicholas Schmerr, study co-author.