On October 6, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival, the National Space Administration and the National Atomic Energy Agency jointly announced the latest research findings from the Chang’e-6 lunar far side samples. For the first time, based on the Chang’e-6 lunar far side samples (lunar soil), Chinese scientists have discovered that the lunar mantle on the far side of the Moon is “colder” compared to the near side.
This discovery further deepens our understanding of the Moon’s “dichotomy” phenomenon, providing scientific evidence from petrology and geochemistry for the temperature differences in the lunar mantle between the near side and the far side. It offers crucial scientific data for studying the Moon’s evolution and its “dichotomy” characteristics.
The research findings were published on the official website of the international academic journal Nature Geoscience.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a major harvest celebration with roots in China’s ancient moon worship traditions during the Shang Dynasty. It is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month to give thanks for the harvest and symbolizes family reunion. The festival is widely celebrated by gathering with family, eating mooncakes, and admiring the full moon.
National Space Administration
The National Space Administration is a government agency responsible for the civilian space program as well as aerospace and space research. While the name is generic, the most famous example is NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in the United States, which was established in 1958 and is renowned for the Apollo moon-landing missions and operating the Space Shuttle.
National Atomic Energy Agency
The National Atomic Energy Agency is a governmental body responsible for overseeing and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology. It was typically established in the mid-20th century, following the international “Atoms for Peace” initiative, to develop nuclear energy, ensure safety, and support scientific research. Its history is rooted in harnessing atomic power for energy, medicine, and industry while adhering to strict regulatory standards.
Chang’e-6
Chang’e-6 is a Chinese lunar exploration mission, designed as a backup to the successful Chang’e-5 sample-return mission. Its primary objective is to land on the far side of the Moon, specifically in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, to collect and return the first-ever lunar far side samples to Earth. This mission aims to provide new insights into the geological differences between the Moon’s near and far sides.
Moon
The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite, formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago from debris after a massive collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body. Culturally, it has been a profound source of myth, inspiration, and scientific inquiry throughout human history, influencing art, calendars, and exploration, culminating in the first human landing during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Nature Geoscience
“Nature Geoscience” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a prestigious monthly scientific journal published by the Nature Portfolio. It was launched in 2008 to publish high-quality research across the entire spectrum of the Earth and planetary sciences. The journal provides a platform for significant advances in fields like geology, climatology, and oceanography, influencing scientific discourse globally.
