Jakarta, CNN Indonesia – The Moon continues to shrink, triggering new tectonic activity, including moonquakes that could significantly impact its surface environment. These findings were revealed in a study published in The Planetary Science Journal on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The research, conducted by a team from the National Air and Space Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, created the first global map of small ridges in the lunar maria, providing strong evidence of ongoing tectonic activity relevant to future space missions.
According to Science Daily, this marks the first time scientists have demonstrated that these ridges are relatively young and widespread across the lunar maria—the broad, dark plains visible from Earth. By understanding the formation of Small Lunar Maria Ridges (SMRs), the research team too identified new potential sources of moonquakes that could influence the landing sites of future lunar missions, including programs like Artemis. This research is particularly important as humanity plans a return to the Moon and seeks to establish a long-term presence there.
Why is the Moon’s Shrinkage a Current Global Concern?
The phenomenon of the Moon’s shrinking and its implications for tectonic activity are currently a major focus of attention among scientists and global space agencies. A deep understanding of the Moon’s internal dynamics is crucial for the safety and success of increasingly intensive human exploration missions, particularly with the goal of returning to the Moon this decade. This latest 2026 study provides crucial data about seismically active areas, which were previously poorly mapped, especially within the lunar maria. The discovery shifts the perception of the Moon from a static object to a dynamic and still geologically active celestial body.
How Does Lunar Tectonic Activity Occur and Differ from Earth’s?
Both Earth and the Moon experience tectonic forces, but the mechanisms are extremely different. Earth’s crust is broken into moving plates that collide, separate, and grind past one another, forming mountains, ocean trenches, and fueling volcanic activity. In contrast, the Moon does not have plate tectonics. Stress builds up within the Moon’s single, continuous crust as it continuously cools and contracts. This stress produces distinctive landforms, such as lobate scarps (ridges formed when the crust is compressed and one part is pushed upward) in the lunar highlands, and SMRs in the lunar maria.
In 2010, senior emeritus scientist Tom Watters found evidence of this gradual shrinking. The latest 2026 study, led by postdoctoral research geologist Cole Nypaver, systematically mapped 1,114 new SMR segments, bringing the total number of known SMRs on the Moon to 2,634. Analysis shows the average age of SMRs is approximately 124 million years, similar to the average age of lobate scarps (105 million years), indicating that both are the youngest geological features on the Moon and formed from the same compressive forces.
Potential Risks of Moonquakes and Space Mission Safety
Previous research by Watters has linked the tectonic forces that form lobate scarps to recorded moonquakes. As SMRs form through the same type of faulting, moonquakes are likely to occur wherever these ridges are found across the lunar maria. This expands the map of potential moonquake sources, which previously focused only on the highlands.
The primary implication of these findings is an increased risk of seismic activity for astronauts and future lunar mission infrastructure, such as the Artemis program. Landing sites and the construction of habitats on the lunar surface must consider this tectonic activity. A better understanding of lunar tectonics and seismic activity will directly support the safety and scientific success of upcoming missions.
Practical Tips and Mitigation Strategies for Safe Lunar Exploration
Given the findings of dynamic tectonic activity and moonquakes, several practical tips and mitigation strategies are essential for safe lunar exploration in the coming years:
- Advanced Seismic Mapping: Future lunar missions should be equipped with advanced seismic instruments to monitor earthquake activity in real-time and in greater detail. This will help predict potential quakes and identify safe zones.
- Landing Site Selection: The latest SMRs and lobate scarps data should guide landing site selection and base construction. Prioritize areas showing low or stable tectonic activity.
- Earthquake-Resistant Infrastructure Design: Habitats and permanent facilities on the Moon require to be designed to strict earthquake-resistance standards, capable of withstanding shocks from moonquakes. Innovative materials and construction techniques will be required.
- Astronaut Training: Astronauts assigned to the Moon should be trained to recognize signs of seismic activity and emergency procedures in the event of a moonquake.
- Comprehensive Lunar Interior Studies: Further research into the Moon’s internal structure, thermal history, and tectonic evolution will provide more accurate models for predicting seismic behavior.
Conclusion
The discovery that the Moon continues to shrink and trigger new tectonic activity, including significant moonquakes, is a crucial development in planetary science. This early 2026 study not only enriches our understanding of lunar dynamics but also provides an important warning for the planning of human exploration missions. With appropriate mitigation strategies and ongoing research, we can ensure the safety of astronauts and the sustainability of human presence on the Moon.
