Title: Scientists Reveal Deeper Layers Beneath Moon’s Far Side Using China’s Yutu 2 Rover
Subtitle: Data from the Chang’e 4 mission sheds light on the moon’s geological history
Date: [Insert Date]
A team of scientists has made a significant breakthrough in unraveling the mysteries of the moon’s far side. Utilizing data gathered from China’s Yutu 2 rover, researchers have produced a remarkable image of the layers beneath the lunar surface.
The Chang’e 4 lander and rover accomplished a historic feat on January 2, 2019, by soft-landing on the moon’s far side, becoming the first spacecraft to achieve this milestone. Ever since their successful touchdown, the solar-powered Yutu 2 rover has been meticulously exploring the 115-mile-wide Von Kármán Crater.
Equipped with a two-channel ground penetrating radar (GPR), Yutu 2 has been sending back valuable information about the moon’s internal structure. By emitting radio waves into the ground and analyzing the resulting echoes, the instrument provides invaluable insights into the geological history of the moon’s far side.
In an earlier study, Yutu 2’s GPR scanned to a depth of 130 feet, revealing distinct layers of rock debris and soil. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets on August 7 presented even more intriguing findings. The lower-frequency channel of the GPR detected multiple layers within the upper 1,000 feet below the surface. These layers are believed to be remnants of ancient basalt eruptions that occurred billions of years ago.
Led by Jianqing Feng from the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona, the research team combined the results from the latest study with previous findings. Together, these studies have built a comprehensive representation of the upper layers of the moon, offering a glimpse into its fascinating geological evolution.
Based on the data collected between January 2019 and January 2022, spanning over 3,280 feet of lunar exploration, the researchers identified five main layers. At least three of these layers are predominantly composed of basalt, a testament to past volcanic activities. Notably, the researchers found that as depth increased, the layers became thicker, indicating a gradual decline in volcanic activity over time, as the moon’s internal thermal energy waned.
While China’s lunar program has provided fewer updates on the Chang’e 4 mission in recent times, the lander and rover are still operational and celebrated the fourth anniversary of their landing in January. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has consistently captured images of Yutu 2 and its tracks on the far side, further confirming their continued activity.
Additionally, amateur spacecraft-tracking radio enthusiasts frequently detect signals from Queqiao, a relay satellite positioned beyond the moon to facilitate communication between Earth and the spacecraft located on the lunar far side.
Looking ahead, China has ambitious plans for lunar exploration. Next year, the Chang’e 6 mission aims to collect the first-ever samples from the far side of the moon, marking another exciting milestone in humanity’s quest to unravel the secrets of our celestial neighbor.
In conclusion, the remarkable image of the moon’s underground layers compiled by scientists using data from China’s Yutu 2 rover has shed new light on the moon’s geological history. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the moon’s ancient volcanic activities but also pave the way for future missions to explore and uncover more secrets hidden beneath the lunar surface.