Guess who's sharing moon rocks? 🌙 China just approved the eighth batch of lunar sample research applications! That means more scientists get to study actual pieces of the moon, thanks to China's Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions.
A whopping 8,550.4 milligrams of lunar samples are being handed over to 18 lucky researchers from 16 different institutions. Talk about a cosmic jackpot! 🌠
The institutions getting in on the moon action include the China University of Geosciences (Beijing), the University of Hong Kong, the Macao University of Science and Technology, Beihang University, and Wuhan University. These teams are about to dive deep into lunar science! 🚀
Fun fact: China's Chang'e-6 mission made history by collecting 1,935.3 grams of samples from the far side of the moon—the first time ever! Meanwhile, the Chang'e-5 mission snagged about 1,731 grams. That's a lot of moon dust! 🌌
Ge Ping, deputy director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center under the China National Space Administration, says China is all about collaboration. \"We welcome scientists from all countries to submit applications,\" said Ge Ping. Sounds like an open invitation to explore the final frontier together! 🛰️
Since July 2021, China has been sharing lunar samples with researchers. They've already lent out seven batches for studies on everything from how the moon's surface changes to the age of volcanic activity and the moon's evolution. Who knows what cool discoveries this new batch will bring? 🌠
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
