Researchers are open-mouthed about what they found on the far side of the Moon

The hidden side of the Moon, which until now remained a mystery, has brought surprises after the first studies of soil samples returned by the Chang’e-6 probe in June 2024. These samples landed on Earth for the first time. , allowed scientists to carefully study part of the Moon, until then unavailable.

The researchers found that, like the side visible from Earth, the far side has completely different topography, chemical composition and crater density. Bye 30% face What we see is covered in vast plains of lava, with only a small percentage of the hidden face showing traces of ancient volcanic eruptions.

By analyzing the samples, a team led by Li Qiuli from the Chinese Academy of Sciences discovered basalt fragments of surprising age. Most of the fragments date back to 2.8 billion years ago. indicating that volcanic activity in this region of the Moon may have remained active for at least 1.4 billion years. However, one of the fragments is much older, at 4.2 billion years old, the oldest basalt that has been accurately studied.

These results surprised many experts, such as Steven Elardo of the University of Florida, who pointed out that the results for this lunar region were younger than expected. “This is much younger than I expected for this region of the moon.”the planetary scientist emphasized.

Other researchers, such as Ryan Zeigler of the Johnson Space Center, believe that these This is just the first of many discoveries. and that new technologies may reveal even more secrets of the Moon. “I think this is just the first step. I think that over time, more techniques will be applied to these particles. And I think there will be even more amazing things,” concluded the Apolo curator.