EPISODE · Feb 22, 2026 · 28 MIN
The Moon Is Shrinking — And It’s Causing Moonquakes
from Bedtime Astronomy · host Synthetic Universe
New research published in The Planetary Science Journal suggests the Moon is more tectonically active than once believed. Scientists have mapped thousands of small mare ridges—young geological features formed as the Moon slowly contracts.These structures appear linked to lobate scarps, indicating the lunar crust is still shrinking and capable of generating moonquakes. The discovery reshapes our understanding of lunar stability and could be crucial for selecting safe landing sites and protecting future astronauts on upcoming Moon missions.Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.This episode includes AI-generated content.
What this episode covers
New research published in The Planetary Science Journal suggests the Moon is more tectonically active than once believed. Scientists have mapped thousands of small mare ridges—young geological features formed as the Moon slowly contracts.These structures appear linked to lobate scarps, indicating the lunar crust is still shrinking and capable of generating moonquakes. The discovery reshapes our understanding of lunar stability and could be crucial for selecting safe landing sites and protecting future astronauts on upcoming Moon missions.Thank you for listening to Bedtime Astronomy — your guide to the cosmos. New episodes on space exploration, NASA missions & the latest astronomy breakthroughs.This episode includes AI-generated content.
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The Moon Is Shrinking — And It’s Causing Moonquakes
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