In the six decades since humans began exploring the moon, our presence has left a significant impact on its surface. This has led some scientists to advocate for the declaration of a new geological epoch called the "Lunar Anthropocene." The epoch is said to have started in September 1959 when the Soviet Union's Luna 2 spacecraft crash-landed on the moon, leaving behind a noticeable crater.

Since then, numerous spacecraft missions have followed, each leaving its mark on the lunar surface. Rovers, science experiments, and even golf balls are among the telltale signs of human exploration that still remain on the moon. With more space agencies and countries planning trips to the moon, this effect is only expected to intensify.

Recent developments have contributed to this ongoing human influence on the moon. The Peregrine spacecraft, aiming for a lunar rendezvous, burned up on reentry into Earth's atmosphere due to a fuel leak. However, Japan's "Moon Sniper" robotic explorer successfully landed on the lunar surface. Unfortunately, it encountered a critical issue immediately after landing when its solar cell failed to generate electricity, most likely due to facing the wrong direction. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency team is hopeful that if the solar power issue is resolved, the mission can continue.

In another scientific breakthrough, researchers have been studying mammoth tusks to trace the movements of woolly mammoths and the humans that followed them. By using a precise new tool to analyze chemical traces in a tusk, scientists have tracked the movements of a female mammoth named Élmayųujey'eh, or Elma, who lived 14,000 years ago. Comparing Elma's movements with archaeological maps has revealed that humans established seasonal hunting camps in areas where mammoths gathered.

Meanwhile, a remarkable fossil discovery in Oregon has provided insights into the lives of ancient insects. About 29 million years ago, a grasshopper laid around 50 eggs in a unique radial pattern in an underground nursery near a creek. Rather than hatching, the eggs fossilized, offering a rare glimpse into ancient insect life. It is extraordinary that the grasshopper nursery survived, given that it was found in an area where water used to flow, according to researchers.

As winter storms grip the United States, some residents in Chicago experienced "frost quakes." These intriguing phenomena involve loud, booming sounds and minor earthquake-like tremors that occur when the ground suddenly freezes in cold weather. While the sounds may be disconcerting, they are not dangerous and do not pose a significant threat.

Finally, archaeologists have used a laser mapping technique to uncover the oldest and largest network of ancient cities in the Amazon rainforest. This discovery sheds light on the rich history and civilizations that once thrived in this dense and biodiverse region.

These diverse scientific findings showcase the continuous exploration and impact of humans on various environments, from the moon to ancient habitats. They underscore the significance of research in advancing our understanding of the world around us and the interconnectedness of human activity with the natural world.