Scientists are gearing up for an exciting lunar mission that could unravel some of the Moon's long-standing mysteries. The upcoming Chang'e-6 (CE-6) mission is aiming to land on a specific area on the Moon's far side, known as the lunar farside South Pole–Aitken (SPA) basin. This region holds the key to understanding the early history of our Solar System and the Moon's geological past.
 |
| Topographic boundaries of F and L regions. |
The chosen landing zone for CE-6 lies within the SPA basin in the southern part of the Apollo basin. This site was selected to address questions about the differences between the nearside and farside of the Moon and to gather insights into its geological evolution. The area is rich in diverse SPA material, making it an ideal location for exploration.
Researchers have identified three potential sites within the chosen zone for safe landing and sampling. The unique geological features of these sites hint at what the mission could uncover. CE-6 aims to collect fragments of lunar farside SPA ejecta, material from the Moon's mantle, and both young (around 2.40 billion years old) and old (around 3.43 billion years old) basaltic material.
By analyzing these samples, scientists hope to shed light on the Moon's complex history and composition. The SPA ejecta fragments could provide insights into the impacts that shaped the lunar surface. Material from the Moon's mantle could offer clues about its internal structure and composition. The young and old basaltic material will contribute to our understanding of the Moon's volcanic activity over time.
Chang'e-6 is expected to be a significant step forward in lunar exploration, providing valuable information for future missions and deepening our understanding of our celestial neighbor. As the mission unfolds, scientists are eager to unlock the secrets hidden within the Moon's enigmatic far side and broaden our knowledge of the Moon's role in the broader cosmic story.
