A new discovery reveals how different both sides of the moon

The moon is seriously bilateral. The near and far aspects of the natural satellite of the only earth unlike each other, it is surprising that they fall into the same celestial field. Now, new research indicates that they are more different from the belief of astronomers.

A study published on Tuesday in the magazine Geological nature Evidence has been found indicating that the inner part of the mysterious distant side of the moon may be much more cold than the near side, which is constantly facing the Earth. The results show, according to the authors, that geological differences between the destinations of the moon extend away from the surface, which makes astronomers closer to knowing the reason for their absence.

“It is one of the great secrets of the moon,” said co -author Yang Lee, Associate Professor of Earth Sciences and Planets at the University of London and Beijing University at the University of California at the University of California. Release. “We call it the two -sided moon. A significant temperature has been assumed between the near and far side of the scarf, but our study provides the first guide using real samples.”

Two -slices

Astrologists once thought that the near and far sides of the moon were relatively similar, but with the expansion of their studies on the moon over the past sixties, they began to notice stark geological differences. For example, Only 1 % On the side of the moon, Moon’s Maria – the plains created by old volcanic bangs. In contrast, 31 % of the near side is covered with Maria.

The notes made by many moon orbits also showed that the rocks from the far side are clearly different Chemical compositions From those from the near side. What’s more, NASA Twin cup orbits Discover that the average far -side shell is about 12 miles (20 km) Thicker From the near side.

These divisions can be returned to the composition and development of the moon, which is fundamentally related to the history of the Earth. Scientists widely believe that our planet and our satellite moon are formed when it criticizes an object of Mars in the Proteu Earth about 4.5 billion years ago. Consequently, the study of geological differences between the two sides of the moon provides an insight into the story of the origin of the earth as well.

Detecting a difference in ancient temperature

Samples for me and his colleagues were analyzing rock fragments collected by China 6 spacecraft, which It was launched on the other side of the moon In May 2024, the chemical composition of the sample, which is 2.8 billion years old, indicates that it was formed from the depth of volcanic lava below the surface of the moon at a temperature of about 2012 degrees of Fahrenheit (1100 ° C). This is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit (100 ° C) colds of temperature samples from the near side formed in.

Although their analysis did not reveal the current temperature difference between the nearby side of the moon, researchers notice that this contradiction would have been continuing for a very long time – perhaps to this day. They assume that the distant lateral interior may be cooler because it contains fewer elements that release heat while undergoing radioactive decay, such as uranium, thorium and potassium.

According to some of the previous studiesThe unequal distribution of these elements may stem from the impact of a huge asteroid on the distant side that pushed dense materials containing these elements in the near side. Others suggest that the moon may be Collide With a smaller satellite early in its history, therefore samples arise from its side and after the compass of two heavenly bodies is different thermal. Or, the inner part of the near side may be warmer because of the Earth Pulling.

Whatever the reason, it seems that the Chang’e 6 sample has confirmed another confusing difference between the moon’s destinations. Discovering what exactly tells us about the history of our cosmic companion will require more research. At least now, researchers have more questions than answers.