Moon Enters a New Geological Era, The Lunar Anthropocene
Researchers in the United States describe how human activity has left lasting marks on the Moon, proposing the term Lunar Anthropocene to mark a new geological epoch influenced by human presence. The finding appears in a major science publication.
The Moon’s surface first felt the footprint of human technology on September 13, 1959, when the Soviet Luna 2 mission achieved a successful landing on lunar soil. Since then, more than a hundred spacecraft have visited our satellite, with some missions intentionally or accidentally ending in a crash. The Apollo program remains a landmark achievement, opening the doorway for humans to explore a neighboring world beyond Earth.
Researchers explain that the concept mirrors discussions about Earth’s Anthropocene, a debate on how people are altering the planet. There is broad consensus that human activity has significantly impacted Earth; a parallel argument is now being made for the Moon, emphasizing that lunar ecology has also felt the effects of exploration and exploration-related activities.
Even though the Moon lacks a true atmosphere and a protective magnetosphere, it hosts a fragile exosphere composed of ice and dust in regions that stay in permanent shadow. These materials are especially vulnerable to disturbances from human missions and debris. The article notes that future spaceflight planning should minimize harmful effects on the lunar environment to preserve its delicate conditions for science and exploration.
One practical takeaway is clear: ongoing exploration must balance curiosity with stewardship. The Moon’s near-vacuum environment can still bear the consequences of human activity, so future missions should prioritize strategies to reduce contamination and preserve scientific value while advancing public interest in space.
Current discussions also touch on the long-term schedule for renewed lunar exploration. While new missions are likely to progress, a return to coordinated lunar landings is anticipated only after a significant planning and safety review period, with timelines extending into the next decade at the earliest.