Recent research has confirmed that volcanic activity occurred on the far side of the moon billions of years ago, mirroring the volcanic history found on the near side. This revelation comes from an analysis of lunar soil samples returned by China’s Chang’e-6 mission, the first to successfully collect and bring back rocks and soil from the less-explored far side of the moon. Two independent research teams identified fragments of volcanic rock that are approximately 2.8 billion years old, with one sample dating even further back to around 4.2 billion years. This discovery is significant, as it fills a data gap regarding the moon’s geological history and supports the notion of a previously active volcanic landscape on this enigmatic side of the celestial body.
Understanding the dual nature of the moon’s surface has long intrigued scientists. The near side is characterized by its extensive flat, dark plains formed by ancient lava flows, known as maria, while the far side is prominently marked by impact craters and lacks these smooth expanses. The contrasting appearances of the two hemispheres have sparked questions about their different geological histories. The findings from the Chang’e-6 mission offer new insights into this mystery, confirming that the far side was not only geologically active but also experienced volcanic eruptions over an extensive period.
Previous studies, including data collected from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, had suggested the possibility of volcanic activity on the moon’s far side. The Chang’e-6 findings provide concrete evidence supporting these hypotheses, marking a significant advancement in lunar volcanology. As Christopher Hamilton, a planetary volcano expert, noted, obtaining samples from this uncharted area is crucial for understanding the moon’s history and volcanic processes. With these samples now analyzed, scientists can begin to characterize the nature and extent of volcanic activity on the far side.
China’s lunar exploration program has been making remarkable strides since the Chang’e-4 spacecraft first landed on the moon’s far side in 2019. Following that mission, China successfully retrieved samples from the near side with the Chang’e-5 mission in 2020, which marked the first return of lunar material since the Apollo and Soviet missions of the 1970s. With Chang’e-6, researchers are gaining a more comprehensive view of the moon’s geological history by navigating both the near and far sides. The thorough examination of these samples is expected to yield valuable data on the moon’s evolution over billions of years.
The confirmed volcanic history on the moon’s far side raises several intriguing questions about its geological evolution and the factors that led to sustained volcanic activity over 1 billion years. Study co-author Qiu-Li Li from the Chinese Academy of Sciences emphasized the necessity for future research to investigate the mechanisms behind the prolonged volcanic activity. Other aspects such as the composition of the lunar mantle, tectonic activity, and the moon’s thermal history will be essential areas for further investigation as scientists seek to piece together the intricate puzzle of the moon’s past.
The Chang’e-6 mission’s findings not only enhance our understanding of the moon itself but also contribute to the broader knowledge of planetary formation and volcanic processes in the solar system. The insights gained from the analyzed lunar samples will play a crucial role in future explorations and studies aimed at unraveling mysteries surrounding the moon and other celestial bodies. As the scientific community continues to investigate these newfound geological data, they may uncover further revelations about the conditions that fostered volcanism not only on the moon but potentially on other planets and moons within our solar system. The implications of this research extend beyond the moon, prompting a reevaluation of how we perceive volcanic histories across various celestial landscapes.
