Moon's Gradual Shrinkage Causes Moonquakes, Poses Risk to Future Lunar Missions

As the moon's core cools and its circumference shrinks, faults form triggering moonquakes, particularly in the lunar south pole region, a potential site for future human settlements.

The moon's core has been gradually cooling over the past few hundred million years, causing the moon's circumference to shrink by more than 150 feet.
This shrinkage has led to the creation of faults and the occurrence of moonquakes, particularly in the lunar south pole region.
Moonquakes can last for several hours and have the potential to cause significant damage to human-made structures on the moon.
Scientists warn that these seismic activities should be considered when planning future human settlements or missions on the moon, including NASA's Artemis III mission.
Despite the shrinkage, scientists assure that the moon's mass remains unchanged, and the shrinkage will not affect tidal cycles, eclipses, or full moons on Earth.