Chang'e-6 Mission Sheds New Light on Lunar Magnetic Field Evolution
Unexpected Findings Challenge Previous Notions of the Moon's Geological History
Rock samples collected from the Moon's far side by China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe have unveiled surprising insights into the Moon's magnetic history, particularly concerning the strength of its magnetic field approximately 2.8 billion years ago.
These findings offer a fresh perspective that contrasts with earlier results from the US Apollo missions, which suggested a more recent and prolonged weakening of the lunar magnetic field.
Published in the journal Nature, the analysis marks the first occasion where paleomagnetic data has been retrieved from the Moon's far side, offering critical insights into the historical phases of the lunar dynamo.
This geophysical mechanism, akin to Earth's own magnetic generator, historically produced the Moon's magnetic field.
The Chang'e-6 lunar probe, as China announced, made its return to Earth on June 25, 2024, bringing back 1,935.3 grams of samples from terrains not previously explored.
Leading the research, Cai Shuhui from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the significance of this discovery, pointing out the Earth's magnetic field, created by movements within its outer core, plays a critical role in shielding the planet from cosmic rays and supporting life.
The Moon's historical magnetic field, generated by its own internal mechanisms, ceased long ago.
Earlier studies, notably those based on Apollo mission samples, indicated that the lunar magnetic field was relatively active between 4.2 billion and 3.5 billion years ago, witnessed sharp declines around 3.1 billion years ago, and further weakening between 1.5 and 1 billion years ago before an eventual cessation.
Crucially, the samples from Chang'e-6, dating back to a primary eruption 2.8 billion years ago, suggest a potential resurgence in magnetic field strength after this initial decline.
Cai suggests this might imply a shift or reactivation in the energy dynamics that once powered the lunar magnetic field.
Such revelations not only enhance our understanding of the Moon's own geological history but also provide invaluable data for broader scientific inquiries into planetary magnetic fields.
IGG researchers' pioneering work using these uncharted samples highlights how China's space exploration is contributing significantly to unraveling the complexities of our celestial neighbor.
These findings offer a fresh perspective that contrasts with earlier results from the US Apollo missions, which suggested a more recent and prolonged weakening of the lunar magnetic field.
Published in the journal Nature, the analysis marks the first occasion where paleomagnetic data has been retrieved from the Moon's far side, offering critical insights into the historical phases of the lunar dynamo.
This geophysical mechanism, akin to Earth's own magnetic generator, historically produced the Moon's magnetic field.
The Chang'e-6 lunar probe, as China announced, made its return to Earth on June 25, 2024, bringing back 1,935.3 grams of samples from terrains not previously explored.
Leading the research, Cai Shuhui from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the significance of this discovery, pointing out the Earth's magnetic field, created by movements within its outer core, plays a critical role in shielding the planet from cosmic rays and supporting life.
The Moon's historical magnetic field, generated by its own internal mechanisms, ceased long ago.
Earlier studies, notably those based on Apollo mission samples, indicated that the lunar magnetic field was relatively active between 4.2 billion and 3.5 billion years ago, witnessed sharp declines around 3.1 billion years ago, and further weakening between 1.5 and 1 billion years ago before an eventual cessation.
Crucially, the samples from Chang'e-6, dating back to a primary eruption 2.8 billion years ago, suggest a potential resurgence in magnetic field strength after this initial decline.
Cai suggests this might imply a shift or reactivation in the energy dynamics that once powered the lunar magnetic field.
Such revelations not only enhance our understanding of the Moon's own geological history but also provide invaluable data for broader scientific inquiries into planetary magnetic fields.
IGG researchers' pioneering work using these uncharted samples highlights how China's space exploration is contributing significantly to unraveling the complexities of our celestial neighbor.
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