Chinese Lunar Mission Unveils Magma Ocean on Moon’s Far Side
China’s Chang’e 6 mission has uncovered significant evidence that the moon’s far side was once covered by a vast magma ocean. This discovery provides crucial insights into the moon’s early volcanic activity, its mantle composition, and the broader processes involved in its formation.
Chang’e 6 Mission: A Historic Lunar Exploration
Launched in early May 2024, the Chang’e 6 mission successfully landed in the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, one of the largest impact craters in the solar system. The mission brought back approximately 1,935 grams of lunar material, marking the first time samples have been collected from the moon’s far side. The data retrieved offers a unique opportunity to analyze the geological differences between the near and far sides of the moon.
Evidence of a Global Magma Ocean
Scientists analyzing the Chang’e 6 samples discovered basalt fragments that closely resemble low-titanium basalts found on the near side of the moon. This similarity suggests that, in its early history, the moon was covered by a global magma ocean that remained active for millions of years. The cooling and crystallization of this molten surface likely played a crucial role in shaping the moon’s current geological structure.
Impact of the South Pole-Aitken Basin Formation
The formation of the SPA basin, estimated to have occurred around 4.2 billion years ago, is believed to have significantly altered the moon’s mantle composition. Variations in Uranium and Lead isotopic ratios within the samples suggest that this ancient impact event influenced the moon’s volcanic history and the distribution of elements within its interior.
Implications for Lunar Science
The findings from the Chang’e 6 mission have far-reaching implications:
- Understanding Lunar Evolution: The confirmation of a magma ocean provides strong support for current theories on the moon’s thermal history and formation.
- Volcanic Activity on the Far Side: The presence of basalt fragments dating back billions of years indicates that volcanic activity on the moon’s far side lasted longer than previously believed.
- Future Lunar Exploration: The study emphasizes the importance of exploring multiple lunar regions to gain a complete understanding of the moon’s geological evolution.
With ongoing analysis of the Chang’e 6 samples, scientists expect further discoveries that will deepen our understanding of the moon’s formation and the complex processes that have shaped its surface over billions of years.
