Moonquakes Surprisingly Common
Explanation:
Why are there so many moonquakes?
A recent reanalysis of
seismometers
left on the moon by the
Apollo moon
landings has revealed a
surprising number of moonquakes occurring within 30 kilometers of the surface.
In fact, 28
moonquakes were detected in data recorded between 1972 and 1977.
These moonquakes were not only strong enough to move
furniture but the stiff rock of the moon continued
vibrating for many minutes, significantly longer than the soft rock
earthquakes on
Earth.
The cause of the
moonquakes
remains unknown, with one hypothesis holding that
landslides in craters cause the vibrations.
Regardless of the source,
future moon buildings
need to be built to withstand the frequent shakings.
Pictured above in 1969, Apollo 11 astronaut
Buzz Aldrin stands besides a recently deployed
lunar seismometer, looking back toward the
lunar landing module.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
