• Researchers spot new lunar ridges that may trigger future quakes

For the first time, scientists have mapped and analyzed small geological features on the Moon, known as small mare ridges, revealing signs of internal lunar activity.

According to a study published in a scientific journal, these ridges help identify areas that could experience future moonquakes, potentially affecting landing sites for upcoming missions.

Results indicate the ridges are relatively young and spread across the Moon’s dark plains, visible from Earth, called the maria.

The team explained that these small ridges formed from internal pressure within the lunar crust, similar to formations in higher elevations but in different locations.

Previous studies showed the Moon gradually shrinks as its interior cools, forming larger ridges known as lobate scarps in elevated regions.

However, these larger ridges didn’t explain all recent contraction signs, prompting researchers to focus on the smaller ridges in the maria.

The team cataloged over 2,600 lunar hills, identifying 1,114 for the first time, with analyses suggesting an average age of roughly 124 million years, making them among the Moon’s youngest geological features.

Scientists confirmed these ridges could be potential sources of moonquakes, similar to those observed in higher regions.

Understanding these formations aids knowledge of the Moon’s internal structure and seismic activity, providing crucial data for the safety of astronauts in future missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program.

Researcher Cole Nebefer noted, “Discovering these ridges and linking them to crustal activity gives a complete picture of the shrinking, active Moon and paves the way for a better understanding of its thermal and seismic history.”