A team of researchers working on the lunar mission Chang’e-3, found several different geographic layers of rock beneath the surface of the moon, indicating a much more complex geographical history than previously thought by the scientific community.
In a paper published in the journal Science, the team describes the analysis of the data sent by the rover Yutu.
December 14, 2013 Chinese spacecraft Chang’e-3 landed on the lunar surface, made the first soft landing for the last 37 years, since the Soviet mission “Luna 24″. A few hours after landing, lunar rover Yutu (Jade Rabbit) disconnected from the ship and set out to explore the surrounding countryside. On board the rover, among others, set Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR), able to probe to a depth of 400 meters.
In a new report, researchers studying the data sent back by the rover report that LPR found nine different rock layers beneath the surface, indicating a more complex geographical history than assumed in the theory. Layering is connected, apparently, with lava flows, mixed with regolith (lunar dust generated as a result of weathering). Data sent Yutu, first, reveals the deep underground parts (Apollo mission used a drill to collect samples of underground rocks, but they penetrated only to a depth of three meters).
Scientists note that the study of rock layers were made two important discoveries. First of all, the data show that the moon occurred more volcanic activity than previously thought. And second, that the studied area is in addition to the basalt of pyroclastic rocks, indicators explosive activity.
The team also notes that the composition of the soil in the work place Yutu is significantly different from that observed the American mission Apollo lunar mission and the Soviet Union.
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