In a landmark announcement, the Chinese mainland's space authorities have revealed fresh insights from samples brought back by the Chang'e-6 mission. Detailed analysis of lunar basalt has uncovered that the mantle beneath the moon's far side runs cooler than its near side counterpart. This surprising temperature gap offers new clues to the moon's internal structure and volcanic past.
By studying mineral compositions and heat signatures, scientists found that the far side mantle may have cooled faster, hinting at differences in volcanic activity between the two hemispheres. These findings could rewrite models of lunar evolution and shape future exploration plans.
Beyond the science, this discovery highlights the growing momentum of lunar missions, inspiring young explorers and innovators worldwide. As we piece together our celestial neighbor's history, missions like Chang'e-6 remind us that each sample returned to Earth carries the promise of unlocking cosmic mysteries.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
