Chinese probe returns with volcanic rock from Moon’s far side in landmark lunar mission
In recent years, China has conducted multiple successful moon missions, including the Chang'e 5 mission, which collected samples from the moon’s near side
China’s Chang’e 6 lunar mission probe has returned to Earth, bringing back rock and soil samples from the moon’s far side. According to a report by The Indian Express, the lunar mission probe landed in northern China’s Inner Mongolian region on Tuesday afternoon, June 25.
Chinese scientists anticipate that these samples, which include 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rock and other materials, will help answer questions about the geographic differences between the moon’s near side and far side. While past US and Soviet missions have collected samples from the moon’s near side, the Chinese mission is the first to gather samples from the far side.
The moon’s near side, visible from Earth, is relatively flat compared to the far side, known for its mountains and impact craters. The Chang’e 6 probe, which left Earth on May 3, completed its 53-day journey by drilling into the moon’s core and collecting surface rocks.
Zongyu Yue, a geologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated that the samples are expected to address a fundamental scientific question in lunar research: “What geologic activity is responsible for the differences between the two sides?”
In recent years, China has conducted multiple successful moon missions, including the Chang’e 5 mission, which collected samples from the moon’s near side. This latest achievement marks another significant milestone in China’s lunar exploration efforts.
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