Moon's Shrinkage Causes 'Moonquakes', Poses Potential Threat to Future Lunar Missions

NASA-funded study links powerful moonquake to faults at lunar south pole, a region targeted for future human settlements.

The moon's core is gradually cooling and shrinking, causing the lunar surface to develop creases that result in 'moonquakes' and landslides.
NASA-funded study links a powerful moonquake to a series of faults in the lunar south pole, a region of interest for future human settlements and equipment.
The moon has shrunk by about 150 feet in circumference over the last few million years, a significant number in geological terms.
The strongest recorded moonquake was the equivalent of magnitude 5.0, which would feel worse on the moon due to its lower gravity.
Despite the potential danger, moonquakes pose a low risk to short-term missions on the lunar surface, but could factor into site selection for long-term human presence.