Researchers have declared a new epoch for the moon, known as the lunar Anthropocene, signifying the significant alterations that humans have made and plan to make to the lunar surface. In a comment article published in Nature Geoscience, scientists argue that the moon’s landscape is changing due to human activities, marking the start of a distinct era.
The lunar Anthropocene is suggested to have commenced in 1959 when Russia’s Luna 2 spacecraft became the first to land on the moon. The researchers emphasize the importance of officially recognizing the changes made by humanity to dispel the notion that the lunar surface is static and unaffected.
Lead author Justin Holcomb, a geological researcher at the University of Kansas, draws parallels with the discussion of the Anthropocene on Earth, highlighting the significant impact humans have had on the planet. The goal is to avoid delaying the recognition of the Lunar Anthropocene until observable lunar halos caused by human activities become apparent.
Human activities on the moon have left traces, including the iconic golf balls and flags from the first lunar landing, as well as less glamorous items like human excrement and litter. As humanity looks towards the moon with plans to dig into its surface and potentially establish a presence, the researchers stress that cultural processes are surpassing natural geological processes on the moon.
Holcomb points out that rovers, landers, and human movement are disturbing the lunar regolith (surface material), leading to substantial changes. With multiple countries gearing up for lunar exploration, the researchers aim to initiate discussions about humanity’s impact on the moon’s surface before irreversible changes occur.
As the new space race unfolds, the lunar landscape is expected to undergo significant transformations in the coming decades, raising challenges and highlighting the need to acknowledge and address the human impact on Earth’s celestial neighbor.
Credit: Nature Geoscience