NASA | LRO Reveals "Incredible Shrinking Moon"

Recent research led by Dr. Tom Watters reveals that the Moon has slightly shrunk and may still be shrinking. This is evidenced by the presence of lobate scarps, which are fault structures indicating the Moon's crustal materials are being pushed together. These scarps are globally distributed, suggesting a worldwide contraction of the lunar surface. The research aims to assess the age of these scarps to determine the Moon's current geological activity. The findings challenge the notion of the Moon as a geologically inactive body, suggesting it may still be active today. For more information, visit NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter homepage.

What recent discovery about the Moon's geologic past was made by Doctor Tom Watters?

• The Moon is made of cheese.

• The Moon has slightly shrunk.

• The Moon is expanding.

• The Moon is getting hotter.

What do lobate scarps on the Moon indicate?

• The Moon is expanding.

• The Moon's surface is contracting.

• The Moon is cooling down.

• The Moon is losing its atmosphere.

Why is the global distribution of lobate scarps significant?

• It proves the Moon is made of ice.

• It suggests the Moon is losing water.

• It indicates a global contraction of the lunar surface.

• It shows the Moon is expanding.

What is the next step in the research on lunar scarps?

• To explore the Moon's core.

• To measure the Moon's temperature.

• To assess the age of the scarps.

• To find water on the Moon.

What do the findings about the Moon's scarps suggest about its geologic activity?

• The Moon is a dead body.

• The Moon is geologically active.

• The Moon is becoming more reflective.

• The Moon is losing its magnetic field.