【科技日报】嫦娥六号样品揭开月球“晚年”保持“活力”之谜

Core Insights - The research reveals that the Moon experienced volcanic activity much later than previously believed, specifically between 2 to 2.8 billion years ago, challenging the notion that it became "inactive" 3 billion years ago [1] - A new thermal dynamic mechanism is proposed, suggesting that as the Moon cooled, its lithosphere thickened, trapping magma in the upper mantle, which could then transfer heat and trigger volcanic eruptions [1] Group 1 - The study utilized samples from the Chang'e 6 mission to uncover the heat-driven mechanisms behind late lunar volcanic activity [1] - Two types of basalt were identified in the Chang'e 6 samples, indicating different sources: ultra-low titanium basalt from deep within the Moon's mantle and low titanium basalt from a shallower mantle [1] - Traditional theories linking late lunar volcanic activity to water or radioactive elements have been refuted by the findings from the Chang'e missions [1] Group 2 - The research indicates chemical differences in late volcanic rocks between the Moon's near side and far side, suggesting a variation in mantle composition, which provides new insights into the Moon's asymmetric evolution [2]