These facts will make you quake in your moon boots!
According to Oxford Reference, moonquakes are caused by seismic activity on the moon caused by internal and external sources. Scientists at NASA believe that moonquakes are caused by the shrinking of the moon.
The moon has been shrinking for millions of years and has shrunk about 150 feet in diameter thus far. Researchers think that this shrinking may be caused by the cooling of its core.
Moonquakes share many similarities to Earthquakes, however, there are more types ranging in depth compared to what ——-, and they last much longer, due to the lack of gravity on the Moon.
Shallow moonquakes
Shallow moonquakes closely resemble the earthquakes that happen on Earth inside of it’s techtonic plates. These quakes only travel about 125 miles beneath the moon’s surface. It is estimated that shallow moonquakes occur around every 100 days.
Deep moonquakes
Tidal stressors are the gravitational pull of the moon on the Earth and the Earth on the moon. Scientists believe these tidal stressors are the cause of deep moonquakes, and can travel from 500 to 700 miles below the surface.
Meteoritic moonquakes
Meteoritic moonquakes are caused by meteors and other objects colliding with the surface of the moon. According to Science Direct, they can travel from 373 to 621 miles below the surface of the moon, which is deeper than most earthquakes.
Thermal moonquakes
According to Discover Magazine, the temperature on the moon drastically fluctuates every day and night. It can go from about 266 degrees Fahrenheit during the day to -279 degrees at night. These drastic temperature changes can cause the interior of the moon to expand and contract, causing moonquakes.
Do moonquakes pose a threat to Earth?
It is yet to be determined if moonquakes pose a threat to humans, but it is thought that they could affect future missions to the moon.
