Since the Luna 2 mission by the USSR in 1959, human endeavors have significantly altered the moon’s environment. University of Kansas researchers suggest the term “Lunar Anthropocene” for this new geological period, emphasizing the importance of conserving lunar heritage and responsible future expeditions.
The first disruption of lunar soil was by Luna 2 on September 13, 1959. Since then, over a hundred missions, both manned and unmanned, have impacted the moon, including the famed Apollo missions by NASA.
Researchers foresee future missions further transforming the lunar landscape. University of Kansas anthropologists and geologists advocate recognizing a new epoch, the Lunar Anthropocene, starting from 1959, as evidence of human influence on the moon’s environment.
Today, a piece in Nature Geoscience argues for this new epoch, with visuals like Apollo 11’s lunar images capturing significant moments in lunar exploration. Credit: NASA
Altering Lunar Environment
Justin Holcomb, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at Kansas Geological Survey, KU, along with colleagues, introduces the Lunar Anthropocene. This concept parallels Earth’s Anthropocene, marking human impact. The aim is to change perceptions of the moon as static and untouched, highlighting human influence.
Examples of lunar changes include craters from various missions, the presence of landers, rovers, and even astronaut footprints, each marking a significant human imprint. Credit: Holcomb et al.
Dispelling the Unchanging Moon Perception
Holcomb emphasizes the shift in lunar geological processes due to human activities like rover movements and landings, which disturb the lunar surface, known as ‘regolith.’ This shift challenges the idea of an unaltered moon, stressing the urgency of discussing our impact on the moon.
Despite principles like “Leave No Trace” on Earth, the moon bears evidence of human exploration, including discarded mission elements and other objects. Future missions need to consider their effects on the moon’s fragile exosphere and ice-filled craters.
Protecting Lunar Legacy
Holcomb and colleagues aim to use the Lunar Anthropocene concept to both highlight the potential negative impact on the moon and to protect lunar sites of historical significance, currently lacking legal protection. This “space heritage” concept seeks to preserve lunar artifacts, including rovers, flags, and even footprints, as a testament to human evolution and exploration.
The team envisions this concept gaining interest not only among planetary scientists but also among archaeologists and anthropologists, integrating the narrative of human evolution with space exploration.
Reference: Nature Geoscience, 8 December 2023.
DOI: 10.1038/s41561-023-01347-4
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lunar Anthropocene
What is the Lunar Anthropocene?
The Lunar Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that marks significant human impact on the moon’s environment since the USSR’s Luna 2 mission in 1959. It emphasizes the need for preservation and responsible exploration of the lunar landscape.
Why was the concept of Lunar Anthropocene introduced?
Researchers at the University of Kansas introduced the Lunar Anthropocene concept to highlight the changes humans have made to the moon’s surface and environment. This concept aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving lunar heritage and advocating for responsible future lunar exploration.
What are some examples of human impact on the moon?
Human impact on the moon includes craters from spacecraft, discarded mission elements like landers and rovers, and artifacts such as flags, golf balls, and astronaut footprints. These are seen as significant changes to the lunar landscape and environment.
What does the Lunar Anthropocene concept aim to protect?
The concept aims to protect lunar sites of historical and anthropological value, which currently lack legal or policy protections. It seeks to preserve the lunar surface and artifacts as part of humanity’s space heritage.
How does the Lunar Anthropocene relate to Earth’s Anthropocene?
The Lunar Anthropocene parallels Earth’s Anthropocene, which marks significant human impact on Earth’s environment. Both concepts emphasize the extent of human influence on natural landscapes, whether on Earth or the moon.
More about Lunar Anthropocene
- Lunar Anthropocene: University of Kansas
- Luna 2 Mission: NASA History
- Apollo Lunar Modules: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Nature Geoscience Article on Lunar Anthropocene
- Human Impact on Moon: The Planetary Society
- Leave No Trace Principles: Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
- Space Heritage and Archaeology: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Evolution of Lunar Exploration: Lunar and Planetary Institute
