Scientists Propose 'Lunar Anthropocene' to Mark Human Impact on Moon

The new epoch, starting from 1959, highlights the significant changes humans have made to the moon's surface and environment, prompting calls for preservation efforts.

Scientists propose declaring a new geological epoch on the moon, the 'Lunar Anthropocene', marking the significant human impact on the moon since 1959.
The Lunar Anthropocene may have begun with the landing of Russia's Luna 2 spacecraft, the first human disturbance on the moon's surface.
Human activity, including spacecraft landings and lunar rovers, has displaced more surface regolith than natural processes such as meteoroid impacts.
Researchers argue for the creation of lunar 'national parks' to preserve areas for scientific study and to protect the lunar environment from further human impact.
Scientists warn that the lunar landscape could look entirely different in 50 years due to increased human activity, including planned colonisation and mining efforts.