A recent study published in the prestigious journal Science suggests that volcanism on the Moon may have continued until about 120 million years ago, much longer than previously thought.
A recent study published in the prestigious journal Science suggests that volcanism on the Moon may have continued until about 120 million years ago, much longer than previously thought. The study, conducted by a team of scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed samples of lunar soil collected by the Chinese Chang’e-5 mission, comparing them with those taken during .
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Prolonged volcanic activity
Previous research indicated that the Moon experienced volcanic basalt between 4.4 and 2 billion years ago. However, the new study, led by researchers Bi-Wen Wang and Qian WL Zhang, shows that this activity may have continued in some areas of our satellite up to 120 million years ago, well beyond the period indicated by previous research.
The discovery of volcanic glass
Scientists examined more than 3,000 tiny cells recovered from the lunar sample collected by the Chang’e-5 probe. Through an in-depth analysis of the chemical compositions, physical consistencies and sulfur isotopes present in the pearls, the team was able to distinguish glasses of volcanic origin from those formed following meteorite impacts. Among the thousands of pearls studied, three were found to be of volcanic origin.
Dating and composition
Thanks to radiometric dating, it was possible to establish that these volcanic pearls were formed between 108 and 138 million years ago. Additionally, the pearls contained large amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and other rare earth elements, known as KREEP (potassium, rare earth, and phosphorus-related elements), which can generate . These elements suggest that the lunar mantle may have undergone localized heating, leading to the release of small amounts of magma to the surface.
A new vision of the history of the Moon
The research team’s findings open new perspectives on understanding the volcanic history of the Moon. Although volcanic activity was thought to have ended long ago, these findings indicate that our satellite had a more dynamic and complex past.
