NASA Plans to Study Moonquakes – Latest Tech Update
NASA has selected the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station (LEMS) as one of the first three potential payloads for the upcoming “Artemis 3” mission, which will aim to land humans on the Moon in 2026. This mission marks the first time in over 50 years that astronauts will set foot on the lunar surface.
The main goal of LEMS will be to continuously monitor ground movements caused by lunar earthquakes in the region surrounding the Moon’s south pole, where the Artemis 3 astronauts are expected to land. The station is designed to operate autonomously on the Moon’s surface for a minimum of three months and has the capability to collect data for up to two years.
Moonquakes, which were initially observed by Apollo astronauts during their missions in the late 1960s and early 1970s, are primarily triggered by the gravitational interactions between the Moon and Earth, as well as extreme temperature changes on the lunar surface. These temperature variations, ranging from scorching heat during the day to freezing cold at night, cause the Moon to expand and contract, leading to seismic activity.
While previous seismic data was collected from the Earth-facing side of the Moon near its equator, it is crucial to gather information on tremors at the south pole to support the establishment of a long-term human presence on the Moon. By analyzing these data, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the Moon’s geophysical processes and enhance our knowledge of lunar activities.
The inclusion of LEMS in the “Artemis 3” mission represents a significant step forward in lunar exploration efforts and will contribute valuable insights to furthering our understanding of the Moon’s dynamic environment. Download the NTV application to stay informed about the latest developments in space exploration and technology.
