Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Over 266 previously unknown ridges were identified on the Moon’s far side, challenging the long-held belief that its surface has been geologically inactive for billions of years. Advanced mapping revealed their unexpected presence.
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Scientists counted impact craters to estimate the age of these ridges. Fewer craters meant younger terrain, and some ridges were found cutting through existing craters—suggesting tectonic activity in the last 160 million years.
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As the Moon slowly cools, it contracts, creating surface ridges. This process was thought to have ended billions of years ago, but new evidence suggests that it may still be happening today, reshaping the lunar surface.
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NASA’s Apollo Lunar Seismic Experiment detected 28 moonquakes, some reaching magnitudes of 5. A University of Maryland study suggests these shallow quakes may originate from the newly discovered ridges, proving recent tectonic shifts.
The Moon’s orbit is changing slightly over time, creating additional stress on its crust. This stress could be triggering new fault movements and contributing to the formation of ridges, indicating ongoing internal activity.
The ridges on the far side closely resemble those on the near side, suggesting they formed through the same mechanisms. This discovery means that both sides of the Moon have been tectonically reshaped more recently than previously assumed.
Upcoming robotic and crewed Moon missions could directly study these ridges. Scientists hope that tools like ground-penetrating radar will reveal if seismic activity is still occurring beneath the surface.
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Knowing that the Moon is geologically active has serious implications for future lunar bases. NASA and other agencies must factor in potential moonquakes when selecting landing sites for astronauts and equipment.
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The Moon, once thought to be a lifeless rock, is proving to be more dynamic than expected. If it’s still active, future missions may uncover even more surprises about its interior and how it continues to evolve.
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