Astronauts have reported that the Moon “rings like a bell” when something impacts its surface because of its unique properties. Unlike Earth, the Moon’s surface is covered in a layer of loose, fragmented material called regolith. When a spacecraft or other object impacts the Moon’s surface, the energy from the impact travels through the regolith, causing vibrations. Due to the Moon’s lack of atmosphere, these vibrations can travel for long distances without being dampened by air resistance.

The vibrations generated by impacts can cause the Moon’s surface to resonate, much like a bell would when struck. This phenomenon was observed during the Apollo missions when seismometers placed on the Moon by astronauts recorded vibrations that lasted for an extended period. However, it’s important to note that the term “ringing like a bell” is metaphorical and not meant to imply that the Moon actually produces a sound like a ringing bell as we would hear it on Earth