A new study has found evidence of a group of cracks in the moon's south polar region, which is linked to a mighty moonquake captured by Apollo seismometers in the 1970s.
Evidence shows that some areas proposed for future lunar missions are within fault zones and vulnerable to seismic activity.
The moon is shrinking
The moon is shrinking, and this could have a significant impact on NASA's plans for lunar missions. The Artemis III mission aims to land astronauts near the south pole of the moon, which contains water ice and other vital resources. However, small tremors at the moon's south pole could trigger landslides that are dangerous to astronauts.
Evidence shows that some areas proposed for future lunar missions are within fault zones and vulnerable to seismic activity. A new study has found evidence of a group of cracks in the moon's south polar region, which is linked to a mighty moonquake captured by Apollo seismometers in the 1970s.
Seismic events throughout history have sculpted the moon's crust with fault lines and cliffs. The new study found that shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking are possible from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults. These findings suggest that seismic activity could threaten planned human exploration efforts for Artemis III.
NASA is interested in exploring the lunar south pole because it has permanently shadowed regions where ice may linger. However, this research team hopes to find more areas that are too risky to explore so they can be avoided before the crewed mission commences.
Are shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults?
Is there enough evidence of a group of cracks in the moon's south polar region, which is linked to a mighty moonquake captured by Apollo seismometers in the 1970s?
The moon is shrinking like a grape, causing moonquakes.
NASA's Artemis III mission plans to land astronauts near the lunar south pole which contains water ice and other vital resources. This will be the first time a human has set foot on the lunar surface since 1972.
Even small tremors at the moon's south pole could trigger landslides, according to NASA, which may be dangerous to astronauts.
Accuracy
Even small tremors at the moon's south pole could trigger landslides, according to NASA.
Moonquakes can seem stronger than earthquakes due to lack of gravity. The largest was a magnitude 5.0 by Earth's standards but felt worse in low G environment.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that the moon has been shrinking for years and this is common knowledge among scientists. However, there are no sources cited to support this claim. Secondly, the article claims that a new study published in the peer-reviewed Planetary Science Journal shows some of these faults are near potential landing sites for NASA's Artemis III mission and could be an issue for long-term lunar settlements. However, there is no mention of this study in the body of the article or any sources cited to support it. Thirdly, the article quotes Tom Watters as saying that moonquakes can seem stronger than earthquakes but does not provide any context on why he believes this and what evidence supports his claim.
The sentence 'Scientists have known for years that the moon is shriveling like a grape, causing moonquakes.' is deceptive because it implies that scientists know exactly how long the moon has been shrinking and why. However, there are no sources cited to support this claim.
The sentence 'Thanks for signing up!' is not relevant to the article's content and serves as an advertisement rather than providing valuable information.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing a NASA press release and the lead of NASA's Orion lunar spacecraft program without providing any context or evidence for their statements. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing moonquakes as 'dangerous' and 'seismic activity', which is not supported by scientific evidence. The article also contains a dichotomous depiction of short-term missions like Artemis III being safe while long-term settlements are at risk, without providing any evidence to support this claim.
The author uses an appeal to authority when citing a NASA press release and the lead of NASA's Orion lunar spacecraft program without providing any context or evidence for their statements. For example: 'Even small tremors at the moon's south pole could trigger landslides, according to a NASA press release,'
The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing moonquakes as 'dangerous' and 'seismic activity', which is not supported by scientific evidence. For example: 'Moonquakes in the south pole could put astronauts at risk from landslides.'
Bias
(85%)
The article discusses the potential impact of moonquakes on NASA's lunar missions. The author mentions that some fault lines near potential landing sites for Artemis III could be an issue for long-term lunar settlements. This is a clear example of bias as it implies that only one side, NASA and its plans, are being discussed while ignoring other perspectives or alternatives.
The author mentions the potential impact of moonquakes on NASA's lunar missions.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Jenny McGrath has a conflict of interest on the topic of NASA's Artemis III mission and lunar south pole. She also reports on moonquakes which could be impacted by thrust faults.
The article mentions that Jenny McGrath is an author for Business Insider, which has a financial stake in space exploration.
Moonquakes and faults in the south polar region are possible from slip events on existing faults or formation of new thrust faults
Some areas near and within Artemis III landing sites may be susceptible to landslides, making manned missions challenging but not immediately impacting planning for short-term missions
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several logical fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing NASA and the Smithsonian Institution as sources for information about the moon's shrinking and its potential impact on lunar missions. However, these institutions are not infallible sources of truth, and their opinions should be evaluated critically. Additionally, the article contains a false dilemma fallacy by presenting only two options: either explore the south pole or do nothing at all. This oversimplifies complex issues and ignores other potential solutions that may exist. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing some areas of the south pole as being
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
Addy Bink has a conflict of interest on the topic of lunar missions as they are affiliated with NEXSTAR and The Planetary Science Journal. Additionally, Tom Watters who is lead author of the paper mentioned in the article also has a conflict of interest as he is associated with these publications.
Addy Bink works for NEXSTAR which owns The Planetary Science Journal where Tom Watters serves as an editor.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
Addy Bink has a conflict of interest on the topic of lunar missions as they are affiliated with NEXSTAR and The Planetary Science Journal. They also have financial ties to Tom Watters who is lead author of the paper.
Evidence shows the Moon's south pole is probably not the best place to land
A new study of surface warping in the Moon's south polar region has found evidence that some areas proposed for future landings are near or within fault zones and vulnerable to moonquakes.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera's image of a thurst fault near the lunar south pole. Credit: NASA/LRO/LROC/ASU/Smithsonian Institution
Seismic events throughout its history have sculpted the Moon's crust with the cracks and cliffs we observe today.
The Moon has shrunk over time as its core slowly cooled, creating moonquakes along fault lines that have developed. The new study found a group of cracks in the Moon's south polar region are linked to a mighty moonquake captured in the 1970s by Apollo seismometers.
Shallow moonquakes capable of producing strong ground shaking in the south polar region are possible from slip events on existing faults or the formation of new thrust faults. The global distribution of young thrust faults, their potential to be active, and the potential to form new thrust faults from ongoing global contraction should be considered when planning location and stability of permanent outposts on Moon.
Seismic activity could threaten planned human exploration efforts for Artemis III. Shallow moonquakes can last hours and occur at depths of about 100 miles (161 kilometers).
NASA is interested in exploring the lunar south pole because it has permanently shadowed regions where ice may linger.
Artemis III is currently planned for 2026. When astronauts land, they will explore darkened regions with navigation systems and headlamps.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title suggests that the south pole of the moon is not safe for manned missions when in fact it has been proposed as a landing site for future Artemis crewed landings. Secondly, the author uses sensational language such as 'large moonquake' and 'shrinking Moon' to create fear and uncertainty around lunar exploration. Thirdly, the article presents information that is not relevant to its title or main argument in a misleading way.
Evidence shows that some areas proposed for future landings are near or within fault zones and vulnerable to moonquakes.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera's image of a thurst fault near the lunar south pole. Credit: NASA/LRO/LROC/ASU/Smithsonian Institution
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing a study published in The Planetary Science Journal without providing any context or information about the researchers involved. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by stating that landing at the south pole is not safe when there are other areas on the moon that may be safer for manned missions. This statement oversimplifies complex issues and ignores potential solutions to mitigate risks associated with lunar seismic activity.
Evidence shows a large moonquake in the 1970s is associated with several south polar faults and areas at risk for landslides.
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Elizabeth Gamillo has a conflict of interest with NASA/LRO/LROC/ASU/Smithsonian Institution as she is an author for The Planetary Science Journal which is published by the Smithsonian Institution.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (0%)
Elizabeth Gamillo has a conflict of interest on the topic of manned missions to the Moon's south pole. She is an author for Astronomy magazine and her article discusses evidence that suggests the moon's south pole may not be the best place to land.
