Chandrayaan-3's ILSA Records Moon's Seismic Data: Insights Await Detailed Analysis

ISRO’s preliminary analysis from Chandrayaan-3’s quake-detecting instrument suggests that seismic activity on the Moon could be linked to past meteorite impacts or local temperature effects. However, more comprehensive studies are essential to validate these theories. The study summarizes data from 190 hours of instrument operation after the Vikram lander’s soft landing on the Moon's south pole.

ISRO's preliminary analysis of data received from Chandrayaan-3's quake-detecting instrument suggests that seismic activity in the Moon's soil could be due to past meteorite impacts or local heat-related effects.

Detailed studies are still required to gain deeper insights from this data, according to the researchers.

A research paper published in the journal Icarus summarizes 190 hours of data collected by the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), one of Chandrayaan-3's five major scientific instruments. Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover made a historic soft landing on the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023.

The quake-detecting ILSA was operational until September 2, 2023, recording a range of seismic signals including more than 250 distinct signals, 50 of which remain uncorrelated to known activities of the lander and rover.

These uncorrelated signals possibly stem from impacts of micrometeorites, soil thermal effects, or thermal adjustments within the lander subsystems. Detailed further studies are necessary to understand the sources of these signals, as emphasized by the ISRO researchers.

(With inputs from agencies.)