China’s Chang'e-6 Mission Samples Provide New Understanding of the Moon's Far Side: Study

China’s Chang'e-6 Mission Samples Provide New Understanding of the Moon's Far Side: Study

Chang'e-6 samples reveal new composition details of the Moon's far side.

Written by Gadgets 360 Staff | Updated: 23 September 2024 12:23 IST

Highlights

Chang'e-6 reveals unique far side lunar sample characteristics

New findings improve understanding of Moon's geological history

Research aids in lunar evolution studies and future explorations

China’s Chang'e-6 Mission Samples Provide New Understanding of the Moon's Far Side: Study

Chang'e-6 mission brought back lunar samples that differ from those previously collected

Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Brian McGowan

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Chinese scientists have made a major breakthrough in lunar exploration by analysing samples from the far side of the Moon, collected during the Chang'e-6 mission. The study, conducted by the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other leading institutions, has revealed significant differences in the composition of this unexplored region, marking an important step in our understanding of the Moon's evolution.

Unique Composition of the Far Side

The Chang'e-6 mission brought back lunar samples that differ considerably from those previously collected. Researchers found that the far side of the Moon is composed of a mixture of basalt and foreign ejecta, distinct from near-side samples, as per the research paper published in the National Science Review journal. These new samples include lighter particles such as glass and feldspar, which were not present in samples from earlier missions.

The materials likely resulted from recent impacts, as suggested by fresh craters near the Chang'e-6 landing site.