Volcanic Activity Discovered on Moon's Far Side: Ancient Eruptions Unveiled

Scientists have discovered evidence of ancient volcanic activity on the far side of the Moon, based on samples collected by a Chinese mission.

Recent findings, stemming from analyses of lunar basalt fragments retrieved by the Chang’e-6 mission, suggest that volcanic eruptions occurred on the Moon's far side more than 4.2 billion years ago. This research, conducted by US and Chinese scientists, published in the acclaimed Nature and Science journals, sheds new light on the geological history of a region that has been less explored compared to the moon's familiar near side.

The basalt fragments, which are volcanic rocks formed from cooled lava, were significant as they represent the first lunar samples obtained from the far side of the Moon. Experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences played a crucial role in this research through challenging endeavors to safely collect and analyze the samples. Radiometric dating techniques confirmed not only their age but also revealed a surprising volcanic eruption that occurred only about 2.83 billion years ago, a finding that is unique to the Moon's far side.

Professor Qiuli Li from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics praised the study, emphasizing its groundbreaking nature. "This is an incredibly exciting study," he stated, highlighting its significance to lunar science and planetary research communities.

Often misreferred to as the "dark side," the far side of the Moon receives ample sunlight; however, the Moon's synchronous rotation leaves it perpetually hidden from Earth’s view. The first glimpse of this enigmatic region came from the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 in 1959, which captured low-resolution images, unveiling a new perspective of the lunar landscape.

In addition, higher-resolution imagery has been successfully transmitted back from various missions, including an impressive NASA video featuring Earth alongside the Moon's far side. More recently, during the Chang'e-6 mission, a roving vehicle captured a selfie of the lander on the rugged terrain, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration efforts by China.

As the world turns its gaze toward space exploration, the findings from the Chang’e-6 mission not only expand our understanding of the Moon's geological diversity but also highlight the broader implications of lunar studies in planetary science.