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NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera captured images revealing more than ten thousand young faults across the Moon’s surface, a discovery published in The Planetary Science Journal. Scientists determined the lunar radius has shrunk by roughly one hundred forty‑eight feet over four hundred million years, creating active fault lines that can trigger moonquakes at any time. The finding has immediate implications for NASA’s Artemis program, as thirteen proposed landing sites for Artemis four lie near potential quake epicenters, heightening risks of landslides and equipment damage. The study underscores the Moon’s dynamic geology, contrasting it with Earth’s plate tectonics. While Earth’s 15 lithospheric plates concentrate seismic activity, the Moon’s single shell means faults can appear anywhere, complicating predictive models. Future lunar missions must incorporate this new fault map into risk assessments and landing strategies to ensure crew safety and mission success.

By Marcus E. | JQJO News