Samples Collected from Chang’e 6 Provide Key Insights into Lunar Geological Activity
In a recent report published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) revealed findings on magma activity at the landing site of Chang’e 6 and its surrounding areas based on remote sensing data.
They discovered that magma activity has intruded and spread within the South Pole-Aitken Basin (SPA), located on the far side of the Moon.
This activity manifested in various forms, previously unobserved. All these findings were recorded using gravity sensors and spectral absorption data from the Chang’e 6 mission.
Earlier, this spacecraft likely also collected plutonic rocks on the Moon. These rocks are types of solidified magma that originate from a molten mass at great depths, later rising to the surface through volcanic eruptions.
The landing site of Chang’e 6 is located south of the Apollo Basin, where unexplored geological activity still exists (Image: CNSA).
According to experts, the research has revealed a wide distribution and mysterious nature of the plutonic rock formation processes on the Moon. This will motivate scientists to further explore the Moon’s dark side.
Previously, samples returned by Chang’e 5 also detected small glass particles mixed within the rock and soil samples.
This provided irrefutable evidence of volcanic activity occurring on the Moon.
Researchers indicate that if this geological activity is still ongoing, future astronauts may be able to harness energy from these processes to support space exploration activities.
