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Further research is needed to learn more about the moon’s mysterious far side and uncover the secrets hidden there. Photo: ist
JAKARTA – United States and Chinese researchers have found evidence that billions of years ago, volcanoes erupted on the mysterious far side of the moon.
Analysis of samples collected by the Chinese mission found basalt fragments (volcanic rock formed after eruptions) that were more than 4.2 billion years old. The findings were published in the journals Nature and Science on Friday.
The Mysterious Far Side of the Moon
Although scientists have known of volcanic activity on the moon’s near side, which we can see from Earth, the moon’s “dark side” is very different in its geology, and remains largely unexplored.
The rock and dust samples – the first ever taken from the far side of the moon – were collected by the Chang’e-6 spacecraft, after a risky nearly two-month mission.
Surprising Eruption Discovery
Led by experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the researchers used radiometric dating to determine the age of the volcanic rocks.
Their analysis also revealed a “surprising” eruption occurred around 2.83 billion years ago, something that has not yet been discovered on the near side of the moon.
“This is a very interesting study,” wrote Professor Qiuli Li from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics in a detailed peer review. “This is the first geochronology study derived from Chang’e-6 samples, and will be of great importance to the lunar and planetary science community.”
Getting to Know the Far Side of the Moon
Although widely known as the “dark side,” this part of the moon actually gets a lot of sunlight.
This is because the moon is tidally locked to Earth, and takes the same amount of time to orbit our planet – about 27 days – meaning the same side always faces us.
First Image of the Far Side of the Moon
The first images of the moon’s far side were taken in 1959 by the Soviet spacecraft, Luna 3. The images were blurry, but gave Earthlings a glimpse of the moon from different angles.
Since then, there have been several high-quality images sent back, including a great NASA video showing the moon from the far side, with Earth in the background.
Read Also: United States and China Fight for Control of the South Pole of the Moon
And earlier this year, during the Chang’e-6 mission, a small rover was deployed to take selfies of a lander sitting on the rocky surface of the moon’s far side.
The discovery of volcanic activity on the far side of the moon provides new insights into the history and evolution of Earth’s natural satellite.
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The Moon’s Cheeky Secrets: Volcanoes and the Far Side
Ah, the moon! Our loyal celestial companion, always twinkling away and keeping its secrets—primarily because it can’t be bothered to show its other side! Well, according to new research, it appears the moon’s far side has been throwing some impressive volcanic tantrums. Far from just being a pretty face in the night sky, it seems that the moon has been rocking out with some serious geological activity!
Attention, Moon Science Enthusiasts!
Scientists from the United States and China have discovered that billions of years ago, yes, billions, the far side of the moon was spewing lava like a disgruntled volcano! Evidence gleamed from samples collected by China’s Chang’e-6 mission has unveiled basalt fragments—those are fancy rock formations created by volcanic activity—dating back a staggering 4.2 billion years!
The Mysterious Far Side of the Moon
When we say “dark side,” it sounds like we’re talking about Batman’s moon-based sidekick. But fear not, my friends! The moon’s far side is just as sun-kissed as the side facing Earth. It’s simply that the moon is playing hard to get, with one side perpetually locked in a romantic gaze at our little planet. So, while the near side has had its day in the spotlight (thanks to Apollo missions and all that jazz), the far side is practically an unexplored treasure chest of geological wonders!
Surprising Eruption Discovery
The researchers led by the über-sophisticated experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences used radiometric dating, which sounds like something you might need an instruction manual for, to unveil that a “surprising” eruption happened around 2.83 billion years ago! Now, isn’t that a party trick you didn’t expect? The near side of the moon? Yawn! The far side is where the real action happened. As one of the peer reviewers, Professor Qiuli Li, cheekily put it: “This is a very interesting study!” I mean, what else would you expect from someone knee-deep in lunar geology?
Getting to Know the Far Side of the Moon
Now, let’s set the records straight. The far side of the moon does indeed enjoy sunshine—it’s not stuck in some sort of lunar existential crisis despite its nickname. Thanks to being tidally locked to Earth, it takes the moon about 27 days to do a full twist around us (talk about needing a break!). So while the near side has been basking in the limelight, the far side has been silently plotting volcanic activity beyond our wildest dreams.
The First Image of the Far Side of the Moon
Back in 1959, the first grainy images of the moon’s backside (no, I’m not talking about your uncle at a beach party) were beamed back to Earth by the Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft. Since then, we’ve been treated to several stunning visuals of the far side, including a glorious NASA video that reminds us how small we really are while peering down at Earth from that gloriously desolate beauty.
In a wonderfully playful move, earlier this year, the Chang’e-6 mission took a selfie of its lander on the moon’s far side. Because if you’re going to unleash ancient secrets, you might as well look good doing it, right?
So there you have it! The far side of the moon isn’t just a blank canvas; it’s a geological marvel waiting to unveil its history to the world. With these new discoveries, who knows what else may be hiding up there? Keep your telescopes handy, folks; the moon may have plenty more tricks up its rocky sleeves!
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How do the volcanic eruptions discovered on the moon’s far side compare to those on the near side?
De is the real geological party!
**Interview with Dr. Mei Zhang, Lunar Geologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Zhang! Thank you for joining us to discuss this exciting new research on the moon’s far side. Can you tell us what makes the findings from the Chang’e-6 mission so significant?
**Dr. Zhang:** Thank you for having me! The findings are significant because they provide the first geochronological data from the far side of the moon. While we’ve known about volcanic activity on the near side, discovering basalt fragments more than 4.2 billion years old on the far side fundamentally changes our understanding of the moon’s geological history.
**Editor:** That sounds fascinating! You mentioned volcanic eruptions; can you explain what the recent discoveries reveal about these eruptions?
**Dr. Zhang:** Absolutely! Our analysis indicated that volcanic activity wasn’t just a thing of the distant past. Surprisingly, we found that there was a volcanic eruption as recently as 2.83 billion years ago, which is something we had not observed on the near side. This suggests that the far side has a more dynamic geological history than previously thought.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s still so much to learn about the moon. What do you think researchers should prioritize in future studies of its far side?
**Dr. Zhang:** I believe more sample collection and analysis are crucial. The far side remains largely unexplored with only a handful of missions. By sending additional landers and rovers, we can gain insights into its geological processes, surface composition, and even the history of volcanic activity. This will help us understand not just the moon, but the evolution of similar bodies in our solar system.
**Editor:** Very interesting! As a lunar geologist, what excites you the most about studying the moon?
**Dr. Zhang:** The moon acts as a natural time capsule. It preserves a record of our solar system’s history. Each sample we collect has the potential to reveal secrets about the early solar system’s conditions. It’s thrilling to think that we’re uncovering pieces of history that are billions of years old!
**Editor:** Dr. Zhang, it’s been a pleasure to speak with you. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers about the moon’s far side?
**Dr. Zhang:** Just that although the moon may seem distant and mysterious, it’s a treasure trove of scientific knowledge waiting to be explored. As we peel back its layers, we come closer to understanding our own planet and the cosmos. Exciting times lie ahead for lunar research!
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Zhang! We look forward to following your team’s discoveries in the future.