Articles tagged with Earths Moon
Researchers found amino acids are consistently more diverse and evenly distributed in biological samples than abiotic ones, while fatty acids show the opposite pattern. This fundamental principle of life may be detectable in data collected by space missions.
Researchers found that the moon's oldest and darkest craters are also where ice has been detected, suggesting a continuous accumulation of water over billions of years. The team's findings rule out a massive comet impact as a source of water on the moon.
Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing technology, scientists deployed fibre-optic cables across the lunar surface to detect seismic waves generated by moonquakes, meteorites, and landings. The cables can record signals at a higher spatial resolution than traditional seismic networks.
Rice University professor Bidong Zhang has received a $2.54 million NASA grant to develop more accurate ages for lunar samples using next-generation radiometric dating techniques. The goal is to create an easier-to-use tool kit that can analyze various types of lunar rocks brought back by NASA's future missions.
Researchers have successfully grown and harvested chickpeas using simulated moon dirt, demonstrating a key step towards establishing a sustainable food source on the lunar surface. The study found that mixtures of up to 75% moon dirt were suitable for producing harvestable chickpeas, with the addition of fungi enhancing plant health.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new laser 3D printing method that can create extremely durable structures using simulated lunar dirt. The study found that the material's properties depend on the surface onto which it is printed, and that environmental factors such as oxygen levels and temperature affect its stabil...
Researchers from the University of Oxford have resolved a long-standing debate about the Moon's magnetic field, finding that it had an extremely strong field at times but was mostly weak. The new analysis suggests that the Apollo samples were biased to record rare events, leading scientists to overestimate the field's strength.
Scientists at the National Air and Space Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies have created a comprehensive map of small mare ridges (SMRs) on the Moon. The research, published in The Planetary Science Journal, reveals that SMRs are geologically young and widespread across the lunar maria.
The study analyzed Chang'e-6 samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin, finding significantly heavier potassium isotopic compositions than previous lunar basalts. This suggests that a giant impact event had a profound influence on the Moon's deep interior, affecting its thermal history and geochemical properties.
A recent study suggests that lunar spacecraft exhaust methane can contaminate areas of the moon where original ingredients of earthly life may be found. The pollution can unfold rapidly, with more than half of the total exhaust methane settling in regions potentially harboring prebiotic organic molecules within seven days.
A recent study analyzed Apollo-era samples to understand how space weathering affects lunar surface materials and their far-ultraviolet reflectance. The research provided valuable insights into the evolution of the lunar surface, enabling better interpretation of remote sensing data from lunar missions.
The COSPAR 2025 Symposium released global guidelines on space weather, creating a unified language for scientists to share data and coordinate observations. The symposium also announced groundbreaking scientific discoveries, including AI-driven bioinformatics breakthroughs and insights into space hazards.
Researchers found that Chang'e-6 soil has a substantially higher angle of repose than near-side samples, exhibiting flow behavior characteristic of cohesive soils. The elevated angle is attributed to friction, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic forces, particularly in fine non-clay mineral particles.
Researchers used isotope ratios in Earth and Moon rocks to deduce the possible composition of Theia. They found that most building blocks likely originated in the inner Solar System, suggesting a close connection between Earth and Theia.
A research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that lunar surface water has a global source in the solar wind, with its distribution mainly controlled by latitude and regolith maturity. The study used samples from China's Chang'e-6 mission and NASA's Apollo missions to analyze the abundance and origin of lunar surface water.
Scientists have discovered olivine-bearing clasts from a lunar regolith sample, shedding light on the migration of Carbonaceous Ivuna-type chondrites to the Earth-Moon System. The findings provide new insights into the origin of water on the lunar surface.
A new study of the South Pole-Aitken basin reveals clues about the moon's interior structure, crust composition, and evolutionary history. The research suggests that the moon's near side was heated by radioactive elements from a magma ocean, leading to intense volcanism.
A new analysis of rock samples from the far side of the moon suggests it may be colder than the near side, with a temperature difference of up to 100 degrees C. The study, led by UCL and Peking University researchers, found that the far side has fewer heat-producing elements, which release heat through radioactive decay.
The Artemis II crew will conduct scientific investigations that will inform future deep space missions, including lunar science activities. They will analyze geologic features, collect rock samples, and gather data on the effects of the space environment on their health and performance.
Researchers found that ground acceleration from moonquakes can shift lunar landscapes and threaten stability of future missions. The study assesses damage risk using new models of quakes and finds a one in 20 million chance of a potentially damaging moonquake occurring near an active fault.
Researchers propose using soft X-rays to measure reconnection rates and monitor space weather. By analyzing bright X-ray features, they calculated a global reconnection rate of 0.13, closely matching theoretical predictions.
Scientists have developed a technology that can extract water from lunar soil and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, fuel, and chemicals for human exploration. This innovation has the potential to mitigate the need for transporting essential resources like water and fuel from Earth.
The LPP, COSPAR, and IAU have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on lunar science and ethics. The partnership aims to develop principles and practices for balanced approaches to lunar activities, with a focus on promoting international cooperation and science-informed space policies.
The Chang'e-6 mission has returned samples from the Moon's farside, providing new insights into the lunar geology and thermal evolution. The samples revealed prolonged volcanic activity, a fluctuating magnetic field, asymmetric water distribution, and ultra-depleted mantle signatures.
A 2.35-billion-year-old meteorite offers fresh insights into the Moon's volcanic history and suggests ongoing internal heat generation processes. The rock's distinct composition provides new constraints on when and how volcanic activity occurred on the Moon.
A team of undergrads at CU Boulder has created a digital twin for their robot, Armstrong, which is being used to train human operators on how to navigate the moon's surface. The study found that training in a digital environment resulted in faster task completion and reduced stress.
Researchers have discovered that rocks from the Earth-facing side of the Moon contain a surprisingly high amount of chlorine, suggesting volcanic eruptions may be responsible for its distribution. This finding provides new clues about the Moon's origin and evolution, including the formation and chemical changes of its crust.
A team of researchers used advanced techniques to analyze the surface of tiny glass beads found in moon samples, revealing information about ancient lunar volcanoes. The study provides clues about changes in volcanic eruptions over time, shedding light on the moon's past.
Researchers suggest that an ancient, weak magnetic field and a large plasma-generating impact combined to create a strong magnetic field on the moon. This process could explain the presence of highly magnetic rocks near the south pole's far side, where the Imbrium basin is located.
Dr. Robin Canup, a leading expert in planetary science, has received the 2025 AAS DDA Dirk Brouwer Career Award for her groundbreaking research on planet and satellite formation, including the Earth-Moon system's origins.
Researchers found high levels of magnesium in glass beads collected from the Chinese National Space Administration mission to the Moon. This suggests that an asteroid may have smashed into rocks originating from the mantle deep within the Moon.
Scientists have developed two new methods to detect water ice on the lunar surface, with one approach analyzing images from a specialized camera and another detecting buried ice deposits through cosmic rays. The research aims to support future lunar bases and provide resources for humans or be broken down to hydrogen and oxygen.
Scientists precisely dated the formation of the Moon's largest impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, to 4.25 billion years ago using Chang'e-6 samples. The discovery provides critical insights into the early history of the Moon and the Solar System.
The art installation, comprising three metal cubes, was deployed near the Mariana Trench off Japan's coast as part of a seismic sensor system. The cubes feature designs that resonate with communities worldwide and embody nine existential elements common to all humanity.
The Southwest Research Institute-led instrument measures electric and magnetic fields to characterize the lunar subsurface, shedding light on material differentiation and thermal history. The deployment marks a new era in lunar exploration, providing unprecedented insights into the Moon's composition and structure.
The ARRAKIS project team aims to understand how microbial life thrives in extreme environments by studying the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes in Alaska. Researchers will use Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to identify and quantify organic compounds and measure ATP and total DNA.
Scientists have discovered that channels carved by rivers have distinct curves compared to those cut by lava or ice. The research could be used as a diagnostic tool for sinuous channels on other worlds with unknown fluid origins.
The Lunar Thermal Mapper, built by researchers at the University of Oxford, will map surface temperature and composition of the lunar surface 12 times a day. The mission aims to shed light on the lunar water cycle and guide future robotic and human missions.
Scientists from University of California San Diego use thermal release to extract water molecules from lunar rocks, revealing origin as either moon itself or comet impacts. The study provides valuable clues for NASA's Artemis program and future human settlements on the moon and Mars.
Researchers from Göttingen University and Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research discovered the Moon formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle. The findings support the idea that water reached Earth early in its development, contrary to the prevailing assumption of late impacts.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute propose a new model for the formation of Pluto and Charon, suggesting they may have originated from a giant collision similar to the Earth-Moon system. The scenario supports Pluto's active geology and possible subsurface ocean, with implications for the Kuiper Belt.
The Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI) instrument will provide comprehensive views of Earth's magnetosphere, capturing low-energy X-rays emanating from its edges. This could help researchers understand how the planet responds to space weather and potentially damaging solar particles.
A recent study analyzing lunar water samples reveals a dual origin: one part from early Earth-like material and another delivered through cometary impacts. This discovery has significant implications for sustaining human presence on the Moon, providing crucial evidence for future space planning.
A recent study on Chang'e-6 farside basalts found a significant reinforcement of the lunar dynamo approximately 2.8 billion years ago, indicating a hot and geologically active Moon during its mid-early history.
A recent study resolves contradictions in the Moon's age and composition. Researchers found that the Moon's crust was melted twice, with the second heating event resetting its geological clock and altering the age of lunar rocks. This discovery sheds light on the Moon's turbulent history and volcanic past.
The innovative vision of Genomic Press is shaped by the story of Flicts, a tale about a color that found its true home on the moon. The publisher supports research that transcends traditional academic boundaries, providing a home for ideas that could reshape our understanding of science.
Researchers found consistent formation age of 2807 Ma for 107 basalt fragments from the Chang'e-6 sample, indicating local volcanic activity at the landing site. The oldest lunar basalt sample, dated to 4203 Ma, suggests distinct mantle sources for the two volcanic episodes.
The Chang'e-6 mission returned lunar soil samples from the far side of the Moon, providing insights into the global dichotomy between near and far sides. The samples contain two types of mare basalts, with high-precision dating suggesting that 'young magmatism' exists on the far side, indicating a depleted mantle source.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a multimode propulsion system that integrates both chemical high-thrust mode and electric low-thrust mode, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and increased flexibility. The system uses the same propellant for both modes, saving mass and volume.
The study reveals that water ice is present in permanently shadowed regions outside the South Pole, with concentrations expected near coldest locations and poleward-facing slopes. The research provides maps and surface characteristics to identify where ice is likely to be found, aiding lunar mission planners.
Two Penn State researchers propose an alternative theory: the moon was captured in a binary-exchange capture, where Earth's gravity snagged one of two objects, resulting in its current orbit. This new possibility opens up new questions and opportunities for further study.
The study provides insights into the Moon's early evolution, volcanic activities, impact history, and composition. The samples offer critical information on the formation and evolutionary history of the Moon.
A team of researchers suggests creating a lunar biorepository to store cryopreserved samples of at-risk animal species, leveraging the Moon's natural cold temperatures for long-term storage. The facility aims to protect biodiversity from extinction threats and challenges such as climate change and geopolitical conflicts.
Research finds climate change is slowing down Earth's rotation by a few milliseconds, with implications for navigation in space. The study also reveals polar motion changes caused by melting ice sheets and internal movements of the Earth's core.
Astronauts on spacewalks will have access to clean drinking water thanks to a novel urine collection and filtration system for spacesuits. The system recycles urine with an efficiency of 87% through forward and reverse osmosis, providing a continuous supply of potable water.
Researchers propose that lunar swirls are caused by subsurface magma, which creates a magnetic anomaly. The team's experiments show that ilmenite can react and form iron metal under the right conditions, producing a magnetizing effect.
Researchers analyze crater chronology and radiometric dating to understand lunar impact flux, revealing a complex history of impacts that shaped the Moon's geology. The study aims to improve understanding of planetary evolution and orbital dynamics.
Astrophysicists record radio emissions from Earth and view it as an exoplanet to understand potential signals from intelligent life. The mission marks a major achievement for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
A new heat-switch device developed by Nagoya University's team enhances lunar-roving vehicles' operational lifespan under harsh Moon conditions. The innovative technology reduces power consumption while maintaining efficient daytime cooling performance and nighttime insulation, making it a critical component for future lunar missions.
A team of researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi calls for expanded protections to preserve the environments of the Moon and Mars, addressing biological contamination and other issues. They also recommend compliance incentives to existing sustainability policies, citing potential benefits for terrestrial technology development.