Two studies suggest that fiber-optic cables laid directly on the lunar surface could double as sensitive detectors for moonquakes as a lightweight, low-cost alternative to traditional seismometers. The idea is based on a technique called distributed acoustic sensing, which uses laser pulses sent through optical fibers to detect tiny vibrations across the fibers. This could provide a significant expansion in coverage compared to the handful of instruments deployed during the Apollo era. The study suggests that a single cable could function like thousands of seismic sensors at once, potentially providing a cheaper, more efficient way to gather data without requiring astronauts to travel long distances or extensive support systems. The technology could also help track how far dust and debris spreads during lunar operations.