OwlBrief

Stay informed, stay wise!

5 briefs. 30 seconds. Before your coffee gets cold. OwlBrief distills global news, expert analysis, and trusted research into quick, reliable insights.

Create account Log in
Home My Activity
#Space
Smithsonian Magazine
Smithsonian Magazine
1y ago 63 views

Apollo-Era Data Reveals Thousands of Potentially Hazardous Moonquakes

Researchers have uncovered thousands of moonquakes, some of which could be threatening, by analyzing old data collected during the Apollo missions. This discovery highlights the moon's ongoing geological activity and its implications for future lunar exploration.
Apollo-Era Data Reveals Thousands of Potentially Hazardous Moonquakes
A What happened
Researchers have uncovered thousands of moonquakes, some of which could be threatening, by analyzing old data collected during the Apollo missions. This discovery highlights the moon's ongoing geological activity and its implications for future lunar exploration.
★

Key insights

  • 1

    Revisiting Apollo Data

    The data analyzed comes from seismometers placed on the Moon by Apollo astronauts between 1969 and 1977. This data was revisited using modern techniques, revealing previously undetected seismic activity.

  • 2

    Nature of Moonquakes

    The moonquakes were found to occur at various depths and locations. Some of the quakes are believed to be caused by the Moon's thermal contraction, while others may be due to gravitational forces or impact events.

  • 3

    Potential Hazards

    Some of the moonquakes are strong enough to pose a threat to future lunar missions and infrastructure. Understanding these quakes is crucial for the safety and planning of upcoming lunar exploration.

  • 4

    Implications for Future Missions

    This discovery has significant implications for future lunar missions, as it highlights the need for robust construction methods to withstand seismic activity. It also opens up new avenues for scientific research on the Moon's geologic and seismic properties.