Scientists may have finally solved the mystery of the Moon’s two faces
Scientists analyzing lunar samples from China's Chang'e-6 mission suggest that the Moon's two-faced appearance was caused by heat-driven circulation in an ancient magma ocean. This process likely created the distinct differences between the near and far sides of the Moon.
Why it matters
This finding helps resolve a long-standing mystery in planetary science regarding the Moon's uneven crustal and chemical structure.
Scientists investigating why the Moon's two sides look so different have uncovered new evidence that could help explain this long-standing mystery. A research team led by Professor Hejiu Hui of Nanjing University analyzed lunar rocks collected by China's Chang'e-6 (CE6) mission and found clues suggesting that enormous movements of molten rock shaped the Moon billions of years ago.
The researchers examined the chemical compositions of three types of lunar rock: anorthosites, Mg-suite rocks, and mare basalts. They compared these samples from the Moon's far side with material collected from the near side during the Apollo and Chang'e-5 missions. Their findings suggest that the Moon's striking differences emerged through large-scale heat-driven circulation within its ancient lunar magma ocean (LMO), after the Moon became tidally locked to Earth.
Why the Moon's Two Sides Are So Different
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