The Moon may have just started a new geological epoch, the Lunar Anthropocene, which shows how humanity gravely impacts the lunar surface.
Human-Made Changes on the Moon
The notion of an Anthropocene is quite clear-cut in the lunar context. Back in 1959, the Soviet spacecraft Luna 2, which was the first human-made object, hit the surface of the Moon. This resulted in the first crater made by humans, marking the start of a fresh new period.
Since then, humans have left various things over the lunar surface, such as footprints, tracks of rovers, flags, golf balls, and even human excrement bags.
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Lunar Anthropocene
Postdoctoral archaeology researcher Justin Holcomb from the University of Kansas explains that cultural processes are beginning to outstrip the Moon's natural background of geological mechanisms. Holcomb, who also serves as the lead author of the study that details the new epoch, explains that they aim to start discussions regarding how humans affect the Moon's surface before it's too late. The proposed epoch was detailed in the study "The case for a lunar anthropocene."
The authors argue that human activity and remnants are more crucial than thought. Once the lunar surface experiences changes, these alterations last for drastically long periods. As the Moon does not have any atmosphere, the surface does not see any erosion brought on by rain or wind. This virtually means that human effects on the lunar surface are actually permanent.
The proposed declaration of the new lunar era is quite timely, considering the many planned lunar missions. This activity uptick, which the authors call the "new space race," involves both private and national efforts.
Jan-Peter Muller, a professor from the University College London's department of space and climate physics who was not part of the study, expresses the thought that raising awareness regarding how humans could massively affect the Moon is quite worth the while. Muller also adds that private enterprises are starting to see untapped natural resources as a possible frontier from which massive wealth could be generated.
Another crucial goal of the proposed Lunar Anthropocene is the protection of space heritage. The authors write that the different remnants of the expansion of humanity to the solar system need to be preserved.
Holcomb explains that a recurring theme in their efforts is the importance of lunar material and footprints as crucial resources that can be likened to archaeological records that humanity is dedicated to keeping and preserving. The Lunar Anthropocene concept may boost both awareness and contemplation regarding humanity's impact on the Moon's surface and influence on historical artifact preservation.
Other experts also agree that the cultural legacy and long-standing impact of humanity on the Moon need to be assessed.
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