Ever wondered why the two sides of the moon look so different? 🌝 Thanks to fresh samples from the Chinese mainland's Chang'e-6 mission, we now have a jaw-dropping clue…
Researchers from the Chinese mainland analyzed lunar rock dust and found that a massive collision—the one that carved out the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the moon's far side—drove away volatile elements from the lunar mantle. In simple terms, this cosmic crash acted like a giant blow dryer, stripping away lighter components and leaving behind a drier, tougher lunar interior.
Here's why it matters:
- Volatile loss: The impact heated the moon’s interior, pushing out gases and fluids.
- Near vs Far: Explains why the near side is geochemically different from the far side.
- Impact era: Since its birth, the moon’s surface has been shaped by asteroid impacts, from tiny craters to vast basins.
By studying these samples, scientists are piecing together the moon’s story—not just as a pretty nightlight, but as a record of epic cosmic events. 🚀🌌 Whether you're a space buff, an aspiring astronomer, or just curious about what’s up there, these findings show us that the moon still has tales to tell!
Stay tuned for more moon adventures and cosmic discoveries! 🌙✨
Reference(s):
Chang'e-6 lunar sample unveils key clues to moon's geological evolution
cgtn.com
