🛰️ Chandrayaan-3 Uncovers Ancient Magma Ocean on the Moon
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, which landed on the Moon's south pole in August 2023, has made a groundbreaking discovery: the Moon was once home to a vast ocean of magma. Using data from the Pragyan rover, scientists identified evidence of this ancient molten rock layer, supporting the "Lunar Magma Ocean" hypothesis—a leading theory about the Moon's early geological history.
The findings reveal that the lunar soil near the landing site is primarily composed of ferroan anorthosite (FAN), a type of rock that forms from cooling magma. This discovery not only aligns with similar results from past missions but also offers a new perspective, given that previous samples were mostly collected from the Moon's equatorial regions. Chandrayaan-3’s success in exploring the less-studied lunar south pole region provides vital insights into the Moon's formation and evolution.
This discovery marks a significant step forward in planetary science, showcasing India's growing prowess in space exploration. It opens up new avenues for understanding the Moon’s history and inspires further research on other celestial bodies, highlighting humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and our capacity to make groundbreaking discoveries.
Source: Business Today, Business Standard, Indian Space Research Organization
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