Lunar Volcanic Activity Unearthed from Moon's Hidden Side

Scientists from the US and China report evidence of ancient volcanic activity on the far side of the Moon, with findings published in prominent scientific journals.

Volcanic activity has been confirmed on the Moon’s enigmatic far side, research from US and Chinese teams reveals, dating back billions of years. A detailed analysis of samples gathered by the Chang’e-6 mission indicates that basalt fragments, remnants of ancient eruptions, are over 4.2 billion years old. This pivotal information was published recently in the prestigious Nature and Science journals.

While volcanic activity on the Moon's near side is well-documented, its far side—often shrouded in mystery—presents a distinctly different geological composition with limited exploration thus far. The samples, marking the first retrieval from the Moon’s hidden hemisphere, were skillfully collected by the Chang’e-6 spacecraft during a high-stakes mission lasting nearly two months.

Research specialists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences utilized radiometric dating techniques to ascertain the volcanic rock's age. Their investigation unveiled a particularly intriguing finding: a relatively "young" eruption dated to approximately 2.83 billion years ago, an event previously unrecorded on the Moon's more familiar near side.

"This study is immensely significant," stated Professor Qiuli Li of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics in a peer review. "The geochronology insights derived from Chang’e-6 samples will be of substantial value to lunar and planetary science advancement."

Although often deemed the "dark side," this section of the Moon receives ample sunlight; the term stems from the fact that one side perpetually faces Earth due to tidal locking, taking roughly 27 days for a complete orbit.

The far side's first image was captured in 1959 by the Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft, marking a historical moment for lunar observation. Since then, clearer visuals—including an impressive NASA video showcasing the Moon's far side against the backdrop of Earth—have enhanced our understanding. Earlier this year, during the Chang’e-6 mission, a small rover also managed to document the lander amidst the rocky terrain of the far side with an unexpected selfie.