In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unearthed a massive radioactive granite formation hidden beneath the surface of the far side of the Moon.
This unexpected finding provides valuable insights into the Moon’s ancient history, shedding light on its volcanic activity approximately 3.5 billion years ago.
Published in the renowned journal Nature, a recent paper explores the implications of this extraordinary rock formation, suggesting that it indicates the presence of one or several volcanoes that once graced the enigmatic far side of our celestial neighbor.
The far side of the Moon, perpetually veiled from Earth’s view, has long captivated scientists and astronomers alike.
Unlike the near side, which is familiar to us, the far side remains shrouded in mystery.
However, recent revelations have started to unravel the secrets held within this uncharted territory.
The researchers behind the study propose that the existence of subsurface granite on the Moon suggests the presence of ancient volcanoes that erupted billions of years ago.
Professor Matthew Siegler, a co-author of the paper from Southern Methodist University, compares this finding to granite formations found on Earth, which are remnants of volcanic activity.
These formations, known as batholiths, are significantly larger than the volcanoes from which they originated.
Unveiling the Chemical Makeup: To ascertain the chemical composition of the newly discovered radioactive lunar deposit, scientists employed microwave frequencies to analyze its geothermal activity.
The data revealed the presence of specific radioactive elements associated exclusively with granite.
Read Also: Global Companies on the Hunt for Stability Amid China’s Metal Export Restrictions
Unveiling Lunar Enigmas
However, the prevalence of granite on the Moon is a surprise in itself, as it has been rarely observed before.
The dimensions of the newfound granite formation are staggering, measuring more than 30 miles in diameter.
This size and geographic extent have astounded scientists, suggesting the existence of an Earth-like granitic system that surpasses previous assumptions regarding lunar geology.
While this discovery marks a significant advancement in lunar research, it simultaneously raises intriguing questions
The absence of water and plate tectonics on the Moon poses a conundrum regarding the formation of granite.
Was there water present at this particular location, or was an alternative process responsible for the formation of this remarkable granite deposit? These queries push scientists to delve further into the enigmatic nature of our Moon.
Read Also: Japan’s Fukushima Water Release: What You Need To Know
Source: Giant Freakin Robot, Futurism via Yahoo.com