A study showed how the lunar lander abandoned by the Apollo 17 crew might be affecting seismic activity on the moon using seismic data gathered between 1976 and 1977. The study underlines that these moonquakes are caused by vibrations produced by the lunar module descent vehicle, which was positioned on the moon’s surface in 1972, rather than by natural processes.
About Apollo 17 Mission
- Apollo 17 was the sixth lunar landing and the last of the Apollo missions to the moon.
- As a first for the Apollo program, it was launched by night on December 6, 1972.
- This mission, which set out to collect crustal samples from the ancient highlands and look into the likelihood of recent lunar volcanic activity, had distinct scientific goals that set it apart from other missions.
- On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, took part in the Apollo 11 mission.
Understanding Moonquakes
- Similarities to Earthquakes: Since both earthquakes and moonquakes include seismic vibrations, they are comparable.
- Four different forms of moonquakes have been found by researchers, three of which are quite harmless. The most damaging moonquakes are shallow ones, which occur the closest to the surface.
1. Deep Moonquakes: Occur approximately 700 kilometres below the lunar surface.
2. Shallow Moonquakes: Take place at depths of only 20 to 30 kilometres, lasting up to 10 minutes.
3. Vibrational Moonquakes: Typically result from meteorite impacts.
4. Thermal Quakes: Caused by the moon’s crust expanding as it warms following subzero temperatures during the night.
- Moonquakes can happen as frequently as every 27 days and average 7,000 in a decade, mostly as a result of temperature changes between lunar day and night.
Moonquakes vs. Earthquakes
- Although moonquakes often have smaller magnitudes than earthquakes, they are renowned for their prolonged duration.
- Apollo astronauts have captured shallow moonquakes with a magnitude as high as 5.5. Human Lunar Landings.
- India was the most recent nation to launch a lunar mission in 2023, following the United States, Russia, and China.
- The seismometer on India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission picked up a moonquake, providing crucial information for further investigation.
Significance of Monitoring Moonquakes
- Future lunar missions may benefit from an understanding of moonquakes, especially if NASA decides to build a permanent lunar colony.
- For a better understanding of lunar geology and to ensure the security of upcoming lunar explorers, seismometers, like those used on the moon, are essential.
- For creating experiments and missions intended to solve the secrets of Earth’s nearest celestial neighbour, monitoring lunar seismic activity is essential.
- Beyond Earth, the moon offers a singular chance for in-depth planetary study.
