The Moon, Earth’s constant celestial companion, has long mystified scientists with its origins.
Recent findings from China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission have unearthed evidence supporting the theory that the Moon was born out of a colossal impact between a Mars-sized protoplanet and the young Earth, approximately 4.5 billion years ago.
The mission returned soil samples from the South Pole–Aitken impact basin, a prominent region on the Moon’s far side. These samples provided scientists with invaluable insights into the Moon’s water content and its thermochemical evolution. Researchers noted that water within the lunar interior offers critical clues about the Moon’s formation and subsequent development.
Notably, the findings also shed light on differences in water abundance between the near and far sides of the Moon, enhancing our understanding of its geological diversity. Upcoming missions, such as NASA’s Artemis and additional Chang’e programs, aim to delve deeper into these mysteries, promising to redefine humanity’s knowledge of the Moon.
