Samples obtained by China from the dark side of the Moon revealed traces of volcanic activities dating back billions of years. This mysterious region of the Moon, which cannot be seen from Earth, has been a subject of curiosity for a long time. Samples collected as part of the Chang’e 6 mission reveal that volcanic eruptions occurred on the dark side of the Moon. This discovery provides groundbreaking information about the geological evolution of the Moon.
The Moon always faces the Earth the same way due to tidal locking. Therefore, its far side has been studied much less than its near side. Chang’e 6 lander, First samples collected from the dark side of the Moon brought to Earth and thus the remarkable differences between the two faces of the Moon emerged.
Volcanic Eruptions 2.8 Billion Years Ago
Researchers analyzed the age and formation process of rock samples returned by Chang’e 6. As a result of these studies, it was understood that the samples consisted of hardened lava, that is, basalt, approximately 2.8 billion years ago. The findings suggest that events occurred billions of years ago on the far side of the Moon. volcanic activitiesIt confirms the existence of .
Volcanic Activity on the Dark Side of the Moon
Previous studies have shown that volcanic activity continued on the near side of the Moon until 2 billion years ago. New analyzes reveal that a similar history occurred on the far side of the Moon. These findings expand our understanding of the geological history of the Moon.
Scientists have discovered that lava on the far side of the Moon is low in substances such as potassium, rare earth elements and phosphorus. In contrast, these elements are much more common on the near side of the Moon. Experts suggest that this instability may be linked to the formation of the giant impact crater known as the South Pole-Aitken basin.
Distribution of Mare Basalts: The Great Difference Between the Two Sides of the Moon
Another striking difference between the Moon’s surface features is observed in the distribution of mare basalts. These giant lava flows cover about 30% of the Moon’s near side, while covering only 2% on the far side. This disparity is thought to be due to a deficiency of some elements on the far side of the Moon.
This new information helps us understand how both the geological and chemical structure of the dark side of the Moon differs from that of the near side.
What is the Dark Side of the Moon?
dark side of the moonis the far side of the Moon, which is never visible from Earth and has remained a mystery for a long time. The term “dark” is misleading; In fact, this face receives as much sunlight as the other face. This phrase is used only to describe the part of Earth that cannot be observed from Earth.
Due to a situation called tidal locking, the Moon always keeps the same face towards the Earth, as its rotation around its own axis is equal to its rotation around the Earth. Therefore, the other side cannot be observed directly, but has been studied thanks to spacecraft.
far side of the moonshows significant differences compared to the near face. The near face is flatter and covered with lava plains, while the far face is more cratered and has very limited lava flows, called mares. This is because the far side is more exposed to cosmic collisions and is affected by different geological processes.
This face was first imaged by the Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft in 1959 and has been the focus of much scientific research since then. Modern space programs such as China’s Chang’e 4 and Chang’e 6 missions have returned samples from this mysterious region, providing new information about the evolution of the Moon.
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