Space rocks play a crucial role in understanding the differences between the visible side of the Moon and its reverse side. Additionally, rocks provide valuable insights into Earth’s early history. Recently, the Chinese probe Chang’e 6 returned to Earth from the far side of the Moon carrying two kilograms of rock samples, landing in Inner Mongolia.
These rock samples are essential for unraveling the Moon’s history and shedding light on our solar system’s formation. China’s plans for future Moon flights include constructing a base on the Moon by the 2030s. The rocks brought back by Chang’e 6 will be distributed to researchers for further study.
The return capsule from Chang’e 6 was the first to bring rock samples from the far side of the Moon to Earth, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration. Previous missions, such as Chang’e 5, brought back samples from the visible side of the Moon, but none from the hidden side.
The rocks collected by Chang’e 6 were obtained from the far side using a small bucket and drill in early June. They were then transferred to a return capsule in lunar orbit before making the journey back to Earth. These samples will help scientists better understand the history of the Moon and the solar system.
China’s space exploration efforts continue to expand, with future missions planned to further explore the Moon and potentially establish a permanent presence there. By studying lunar rocks and data collected from these missions, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the Moon’s geology and history, as well as its implications for Earth’s development.