A groundbreaking collaborative study by U.S. and Chinese scientists has uncovered evidence of ancient volcanic activity on the Moon’s far side, a region often shrouded in mystery. The analysis of basalt fragments collected during China’s Chang’e-6 mission reveals volcanic eruptions dating back over 4.2 billion years, with some surprisingly recent activity around 2.83 billion years ago.
The findings, published in prestigious journals Nature and Science, shed new light on the Moon’s lesser-explored far side, offering insights into its unique geological history compared to the near side visible from Earth.
Chang’e-6 made history as the first mission to retrieve samples from the Moon’s far side, braving significant challenges during its nearly two-month operation. Using advanced radiometric dating, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences confirmed the ancient origins of the basalt fragments and highlighted a “young” eruption a discovery unprecedented on the Moon’s near side.
“This is an incredibly exciting study,” remarked Professor Qiuli Li of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics. “It represents the first geochronological analysis of Chang’e-6 samples and will be immensely valuable to lunar and planetary science.”
The Mysterious Far Side
While often referred to as the “dark side,” the far side of the Moon is not devoid of sunlight it’s called “dark” because it remains hidden from Earth due to the Moon’s tidal locking. This gravitational phenomenon ensures the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, taking roughly 27 days for a complete orbit.
First photographed in 1959 by the Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft, the far side has since been extensively imaged, including stunning high-resolution visuals from NASA and selfies from Chang’e-6’s small rover.
Significance for Lunar Exploration
The discoveries provide a rare glimpse into the far side’s volcanic history, highlighting geological differences from the near side. The far side’s relative isolation and unique conditions make it an important target for future exploration.
Earlier this year, Chang’e-6’s rover captured a historic selfie with its lander on the rocky terrain, marking another milestone in humanity’s quest to understand the Moon. These findings pave the way for deeper explorations into the origins and evolution of Earth’s celestial neighbor.