Using the Yutu-2 rover and Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR), scientists have explored over 1,000 feet of the moon’s geology. This groundbreaking work reveals layers of volcanic rock, dust, and impact craters, shedding light on the moon’s geological past.
Since its landing in January 2019, the Chang’e-4 mission has been a trailblazer in lunar exploration. It’s the first mission to provide detailed insights into the moon’s subsurface. The LPR sends signals deep into the moon, helping researchers uncover its hidden layers. Recent data from 2023 has opened a new chapter in understanding the moon’s complex volcanic history.
The LPR technology has allowed scientists to map various geological features beneath the surface. As reported by Live Science, the data includes dust, soil, and broken rocks, along with signs of an ancient impact crater. Five distinct layers of volcanic rock tell a story of eruptions that happened billions of years ago during a time of intense geological activity.
This new insight is significant. Previous lunar missions mainly focused on the surface. Understanding the early history of the moon, including its volcanic past, could help us piece together how it formed and evolved over billions of years. Jianqing Feng, an astrogeological researcher, emphasizes that the moon’s cooling process led to less frequent eruptions, suggesting that volcanic activity faded as the lunar interior cooled over time.
Another notable find is the impact crater buried beneath layers of dust and rock. Such craters, formed by large objects colliding with the moon, offer glimpses into its violent history. According to Indy100, while many craters have been observed, mapping their structures is a significant advancement. These craters reveal how the moon’s surface was bombarded by space debris in its early days.
Studies show that the moon was a chaotic place early on, with frequent meteoroid impacts creating cracks that allowed magma to escape. This cycle contributed to the formation of the layers researchers are now studying. The moon’s surface was often pelted, leading to a history etched in its crust.
Additionally, the findings from Chang’e-4 deepen our understanding of the moon’s volcanic activity. The mission confirms that volcanic eruptions were once common but dwindled over time. As magma chambers emptied, the layers of volcanic rock became thinner. This decline in activity suggests that the moon has been largely “geologically dead” for about a billion years. Yet, some researchers think there might still be magma lurking deep beneath the surface.
These discoveries not only illuminate the moon’s past but also propose exciting future possibilities for research. The chance of undiscovered magma suggests that the moon still has secrets waiting to be uncovered. As Feng and his team continue their analysis, the Chang’e-4 mission could hold more clues about the moon’s intriguing history.
