🚀 China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe just rocked the universe! Literally. As a symbol of its cosmic journey, the probe unfurled a Chinese national flag on the far side of the moon—but this isn’t your average flag.
Get this: It's woven from basalt fibers, which are essentially threads made from crushed and melted rock. Yes, you read that right—it's a flag made of rock! 🪨
In Chinese, basalt is known as Xuanwu rock, named after a mythical creature symbolizing the north and winter. Professor Zhou Changyi from the National Space Science Center spilled the lunar beans: \"We crushed and melted the rocks to pull them into thin threads about one-third the diameter of a hair,\" he told CGTN.
Why go to such lengths? Well, this rock-solid flag is built to last—over 10,000 years on the moon's harsh surface! 🌙 It's highly resistant to corrosion, extreme heat, and icy cold.
But wait, there's more! Professor Zhou hinted that basalt fibers could pave the way (literally) for building future lunar research bases. The moon is loaded with this type of rock, making it a handy resource for space construction. 🏗️
\"The national flag is meant to inspire patriotism among Chinese people around the world,\" Zhou said. \"Perhaps the whole nation is looking forward to this, proud of our country.\" 🇨🇳
This marks the first time China has independently displayed its national flag on the moon's far side. Unfortunately, you can't sneak a peek through your backyard telescope since the far side always faces away from Earth. 🔭
Fun fact: China also unfurled its national flag during the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, but that one was made of polymer fiber.
Who knew space exploration could be so rock 'n' roll? 🎸🌌
Reference(s):
Know your Chang'e-6: Chinese flag on moon's far side made of basalt
cgtn.com
