New Lunar Discovery: Traces of an Ancient Cataclysm Revealed

The Catastrophe That Changed the Face of the Moon

Around 4.3 billion years ago, the Moon’s surface was covered by a molten magma ocean. Heavier minerals sank to the bottom, forming the mantle, while lighter ones floated up to create the crust.

Ancient Meteorite Unlocks Lunar Secrets

In an instant, everything changed. A massive meteorite struck the Moon with immense force, transforming its interior and surface. A gigantic crater—the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin—was formed at the impact site near the South Pole. This very area became the focus of research by scientists from the University of Arizona, recently published in the journal Nature. What exactly did the researchers discover?

Minerals on the Moon: Evidence of a Cosmic Cataclysm

Previously, it was believed that the SPA basin was formed by a strike from the south. However, data provided by the Lunar Prospector and GRAIL missions allowed researchers to determine that the meteorite approached from the north. What difference does this make?

What the University of Arizona Scientists Discovered

At the moment of impact, a semi-molten magma layer still existed beneath the Moon’s thin crust. The meteorite punched through it and ejected some of the valuable deep-earth minerals toward the surface in what is now the southwestern part of the SPA. These included radioactive thorium and titanium. The radiation emanating from them helped researchers determine the exact direction of the impact. Yet, that is not all.

The Artemis Mission Is Heading to the Disaster Site

Deposits of KREEP elements (potassium, rare-earth elements, and phosphorus) are located in the southwestern SPA, precisely where the crewed Artemis mission is scheduled to land in 2027. Significantly, these lunar minerals in this configuration are unique to the Moon.

Why Are Astronauts Landing in This Exact Spot?

These are exceptionally valuable samples, both from a resource and research perspective. Rare-earth metal deposits are crucial for the development of electronics and renewable energy, among other things. The opportunity to easily study their presence on the Moon is an incredible chance for astronomers. And the presence of these elements near the first crewed lunar landing in decades is practically like winning the lottery. Mission crew members will be able to collect the necessary samples shortly after landing.

Valuable Lunar Minerals: Potassium, Thorium, and Titanium

Once the astronauts land on the Moon, the samples they collect—rich in both KREEP, thorium, and titanium—will provide further answers about the Moon’s past.

“These rocks could reveal much more about the Moon’s early evolution than we previously thought,” asserts the lead author of the study, Jeff Andrews-Hanna.

Meanwhile, the findings of the Arizona scientists have helped reveal that the Moon’s current shape may be the result of the violent impact that created the SPA basin, rather than, as previously assumed, later tectonic activity and subsequent meteorite strikes.

Read this article in Polish: Minerały na Księżycu – dowód na kosmiczny kataklizm