A joint team of US and Chinese scientists have reported the discovery of ancient volcanic activity on the Moon's far side, with samples indicating eruptions dating back over 4.2 billion years. This research, made possible by the Chang’e-6 mission that returned the first lunar rock samples from this unexplored region, is pivotal in understanding the moon's geological history.
Volcanic Activity Discovered on Moon's Far Side: A Breakthrough in Lunar Geology
Volcanic Activity Discovered on Moon's Far Side: A Breakthrough in Lunar Geology
Recent research reveals that mysterious volcanic activity occurred billions of years ago on the Moon's far side, providing new insights into lunar geology.
The Chang’e-6 mission conducted by China’s space agency successfully retrieved rock and dust samples from the Moon's far side, long considered mysterious and inaccessible. These samples revealed basalt fragments that were analyzed using radiometric dating techniques, showing that volcanic eruptions once occurred during the moon’s formative years. Interestingly, the findings also indicated a remarkably “young” volcanic eruption that took place around 2.83 billion years ago, a phenomenon not observed on the moon's near side.
The study's publication in renowned scientific journals underscores its impact on lunar and planetary science. Professor Qiuli Li, from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, highlighted the “immense importance” of this research, which marks the first geochronology study from the Chang’e-6 samples.
Despite being labeled as the “dark side” of the Moon, this region receives ample sunlight due to the Moon's tidal locking with Earth, causing one side to perpetually face our planet. Initial snatches of the far side came from the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 in 1959, but better-quality images have since been captured, including an impressive NASA video depicting the Moon with Earth in the background. The Chang’e-6 mission also included a small rover that took a selfie of its landing site, marking a new chapter in lunar exploration.
As research continues, the implications of these findings are significant for understanding the Moon's history, its volcanic activity, and potentially the conditions that could impact future explorations of lunar resources. The discovery adds a valuable layer to our comprehension of the solar system's geological narratives.
The study's publication in renowned scientific journals underscores its impact on lunar and planetary science. Professor Qiuli Li, from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, highlighted the “immense importance” of this research, which marks the first geochronology study from the Chang’e-6 samples.
Despite being labeled as the “dark side” of the Moon, this region receives ample sunlight due to the Moon's tidal locking with Earth, causing one side to perpetually face our planet. Initial snatches of the far side came from the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 in 1959, but better-quality images have since been captured, including an impressive NASA video depicting the Moon with Earth in the background. The Chang’e-6 mission also included a small rover that took a selfie of its landing site, marking a new chapter in lunar exploration.
As research continues, the implications of these findings are significant for understanding the Moon's history, its volcanic activity, and potentially the conditions that could impact future explorations of lunar resources. The discovery adds a valuable layer to our comprehension of the solar system's geological narratives.
