A recent study has revealed a surprising discovery about the Moon's surface: a vast network of young tectonic ridges, known as SMRs, that are far more widespread than previously thought. These ridges, resembling faint seams on a cooled wax surface, are not just old scars but are surprisingly young and widespread across the lunar maria, the dark basalt plains. The study's findings suggest that these features are not only widespread but also relatively recent in lunar terms, posing potential hazards for future missions. The research also highlights the Moon's ongoing shrinkage, which contributes to the formation of these ridges and the potential for moonquakes, a significant concern for future lunar exploration.
