China’s Chang’e-4 spacecraft has recently provided scientists with breathtaking images of impact craters and a glimpse into the moon’s mantle. The spacecraft, equipped with advanced technology, has allowed researchers to study the moon’s surface in unprecedented detail.
One of the key achievements of Chang’e-4 is its ability to visualize the layer cake-like structures that make up the upper 1,000 feet of the moon’s surface. This breakthrough has provided scientists with a better understanding of the moon’s geological composition.
Particularly noteworthy is the rover, Yutu-2, carried by Chang’e-4. This rover is equipped with Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR), which can send radio signals deep into the moon’s surface. Through this technology, researchers have been able to create a comprehensive map of the moon’s subsurface.
Recent data collected by Yutu-2 has revealed some fascinating insights. It has been discovered that the top 130 feet of the lunar surface consists of layers of dust, soil, and broken rocks. Beneath this layer, scientists have identified five distinct layers of lunar lava. These findings suggest that the moon formed around 4.51 billion years ago, as a result of a collision between Earth and a Mars-size object. The moon then continued to be bombarded for approximately 200 million years.
Furthermore, the data also demonstrates that volcanic activity on the moon decreased gradually over time. Thinner layers of volcanic rock are found closer to the surface, indicating a slowing down of this activity as time went on. Despite being considered “geologically dead,” scientists speculate the presence of possible magma deep beneath the lunar surface.
The work of Chang’e-4 is far from over. Scientists are hopeful that further study of unexpected geological formations will provide even greater insights. The mission has already proven to be a remarkable success and has undoubtedly advanced our knowledge of the moon’s formation and composition.
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