In a significant discovery, scientists at the Smithsonian Institution have mapped the moon's small mare ridges, which indicate tectonic activity. This mapping effort began after researchers noted that the moon has been experiencing moonquakes, events that could have implications for human space exploration and lunar landings. According to a statement by Cole Nypaver, a post-doctoral research geologist, this work provides a globally complete perspective on lunar tectonism, enhancing understanding of the moon’s interior, thermal, and seismic history. The mapping effort revealed more than 1,100 new ridges on the moon’s nearside plains, which form part of the lunar maria. This discovery increased the total number of mapped ridges to over 2,600. The researchers found that the average age of these ridges is approximately 124 million years, suggesting these geological features are relatively recent in the context of the moon’s four-billion-year history. Similarities were noted between the newly discovered ridges and already known lobate thrust fault scarps, which have been recognized since the Apollo era. Understanding these geological formations is crucial as they contribute to the moonquake phenomenon. The researchers indicated that seismically active regions on the moon, specifically across the plains with ridges, might pose greater risks to future human missions than previously anticipated. With NASA’s Artemis program aiming to return humans to the lunar surface no sooner than 2027, this new insight into the moon’s tectonic activity and the potential for moonquakes emphasizes the need for careful planning of landing sites. The findings from the Smithsonian Institution are in alignment with ongoing research by NASA and the Smithsonian, which also suggests that the moon is experiencing surface crinkling due to tectonic action stemming from heat loss. This new understanding of the moon's tectonics reinforces the notion that while the moon is often viewed as a serene and stable destination for exploration, it harbors complexities that could endanger lunar missions.