Core Viewpoint - The research conducted on lunar samples from China's Chang'e 5 and Chang'e 6 missions reveals that the Moon experienced volcanic activity much later than previously believed, challenging the notion that it became "dormant" 3 billion years ago [1][2]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study identified two types of basalt from the Chang'e 6 samples, formed around 2.8 billion and 2.9 billion years ago, with distinct compositions and sources: one type originates from deep within the lunar mantle (over 120 kilometers), while the other comes from a shallower mantle (60-80 kilometers) [1][2]. - The research team proposed a new thermal dynamic mechanism for lunar volcanism, suggesting that as the Moon cooled, its lithosphere thickened, trapping magma in the shallow mantle, which could then transfer heat upward, leading to volcanic eruptions [2]. Group 2: Implications and Broader Context - The findings not only revise the understanding of the Moon's thermal evolution history but also provide significant insights into the volcanic activity mechanisms of other small, airless celestial bodies [3].

Core Insights - The research reveals that the Moon has experienced volcanic activity during its "late" period, challenging the long-held belief that it became dormant around 3 billion years ago [1][2] - The study identifies two distinct types of basalt from the Chang'e 6 samples, indicating different sources and depths of formation, which contributes to understanding the Moon's thermal evolution [2][4] Group 1: Volcanic Activity - The study confirms that volcanic eruptions occurred on the Moon even in its later stages, raising questions about the heat dynamics that sustain this activity [1][2] - Two types of basalt were identified: "ultra-low titanium basalt" from deep within the Moon's mantle (approximately 120 km from the surface) and "low titanium basalt" from a shallower depth (60-80 km) [2][4] Group 2: Thermal Mechanisms - The research proposes a new thermal mechanism where magma, trapped in the upper mantle, can transfer heat upward, leading to partial melting and subsequent volcanic eruptions [2][3] - Traditional hypotheses linking volcanic activity to water-rich or radioactive heat sources were disproven, as the identified source regions were found to be dry and lacking radioactive elements [2][4] Group 3: Asymmetrical Evolution - Analysis of lunar remote sensing data indicates a significant shift in volcanic heat sources around 3 billion years ago, transitioning from diverse sources to a dominant upward heat transfer mechanism [3][4] - The chemical characteristics of late-stage volcanic rocks on the Moon's near side are similar to those of the Chang'e 5 basalt, while the far side shows a closer resemblance to the ultra-low titanium basalt from Chang'e 6, suggesting compositional differences in the lunar mantle [4] Group 4: Implications for Lunar Studies - The findings from the Chang'e 6 samples not only enhance the understanding of the Moon's thermal evolution but also provide insights into volcanic mechanisms on other small celestial bodies [5][6] - The ongoing research is expected to uncover more mysteries about the Earth-Moon system, indicating that the Moon's geological history is more complex than previously thought [5][6]