The Facts about Moonquakes and The Explanation

The moon is the only natural satellite that Earth has. Various interesting phenomena are often recorded on the Moon by missions deployed by NASA or other space agencies. One interesting fact about the Moon is that this natural satellite often experiences earthquakes like the Earth.

Recordings of seismic activity on the Moon were first released by NASA during the Apollo mission. To detect shaking, NASA sent an earthquake detector or seismometer through the mission. After being placed on the surface of the Moon, scientists received many signals of seismic activity. For more details, let's look at the following moonquake facts!

1. Seismometers were placed on the surface of the Moon by astronauts on the Apollo mission

To detect an earthquake, of course scientists need a tool called a seismometer. From 1969 to 1972, astronauts who were part of the Apollo mission deployed five seismometers at a number of points on the surface of the Moon. Quoting from the European Union, the first seismometer was placed on the Moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin when they carried out the Apollo 11 mission.

2. More than 12 thousand earthquakes were recorded on the Moon until 1977

Apollo seismometers have recorded more than 12 thousand moonquakes on the Moon. In addition, quoting from Britannica, at least 600 to 3 thousand earthquakes are detected per year during operation. This shows that earthquakes are common on the Moon.

When the Moon shrinks, the plates within the Moon's structure are pushed upwards, causing shocks. This shrinkage activity is expected to continue. Quoting from NASA, the Moon has shrunk by around 50 meters over the last few hundred million years.

In addition, many factors influence the creation of earthquakes on the Moon, such as Earth's gravity, meteorite impacts and intense temperature changes. Therefore, just like the Earth, the Moon cannot avoid disasters called earthquakes. Interesting, yes!

M. Yasin Syaifullah Saya adalah seorang mahasiswa aktif di salah satu Perguruan Tinggi swasta. Dan saya senang menulis untuk berbagi | Iam a college student and I like writing to sharing.