China just published a new geological map of the Moon. According to the scientists who revealed it, it would be the most complete and detailed on this celestial body so far. With this tool, the landing places of upcoming missions could be better planned.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences was the institution responsible for creating this new map of the Moon. This was done mainly with all the data collected by the lunar exploration program that China has for 15 years. Also featured information gathered by other missions from the United States, India, and Japan.
This map reveals the different geological layers that exist in the Moonas well as its structural characteristics. According to the data presented, it has 12,341 impact craters, 81 basins, 17 rock types and 14 different types of structures. The map also provides a ‘chronology’ of its surface.
According to a statement they shared with Science Bulletin: ‘The map reflects the evolution of the lunar crust. Derived from igneous processes, catastrophic impacts and volcanic activity‘. Also It is the first map of the Moon at a scale of 1:2,500,000.
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This map is that of decades of exploration of the Moon. While the main information came from the missions of China in the last 15 years, they also used data from the first missions. Especially from NASA’s Apollo programswhich also brought lunar material for study.
This map could start a new fascination with the Moon
According to the writing that accompanies the map, there is a new boom in the exploration of the Moon. In recent years there have been different missions to explore it and the creators of the map believe that this one could help. With its level of detail, it will be easier to choose the ideal landing places for different types of mission.
If you are interested in seeing for yourself this map of the Moon, you can do it. The website of the China National Space Science Center It is available for download and you can find it here. Something to note is that the organization said it would make it more accessible, with Chinese and English, once it is approved by more members of the scientific community.
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