![]() ![]() Radiation spewed out by the Sun since the formation of the Moon's crust, was trapped in the lunar soil as a permanent record of solar activity throughout this time. Chemical analysis of the rock fragment shows it crystallized in a terrestrial-like oxidized system, at terrestrial temperatures, rather than in the reducing and higher temperature. This crust formation, the intense meteorite bombardment occurring afterward, and subsequent lava outpourings are recorded in the rocks. The result of their investigation is a 2 gram fragment of rock composed of quartz, feldspar, and zircon, all commonly found on Earth and highly unusual on the Moon. These are pieces of lunar rocks that have been launched off the Moon at >2.4 km/s (lunar escape velocity) during the impact of an asteroid or comet projectile. We have learned that a crust formed on the Moon 4.4 billion years ago. The chemical composition of the Moon, derived from studies of lunar rocks, is compatible with this theory of the origin of the Moon. Recent computer models indicate that the Moon could have been formed from the debris resulting from the Earth being struck a glancing blow by a planetary body about the size of Mars. Study of rock and soil samples from the Moon continues to yield useful information about the early history of the Moon, the Earth, and the inner solar system. Nearly 400 samples are distributed each year for research and teaching projects. The lunar sample laboratory is where pristine lunar samples are prepared for shipment to scientists and educators. Two new studies of the minerals present in lunar soil and rocks have also been made using the LRO. Credit Stony Brook University Media Relations. ![]() Red and orange colors indicate silicic compositions. Diviner data superimposed on a Lunar Orbiter IV mosaic of Aristarchus crater. The lunar sample building at Johnson Space Center is the chief repository for the Apollo samples. Researchers Discover New Types of Lunar Rock. In addition, three automated Soviet spacecraft returned important samples totaling 300 grams (approximately 3/4 pound) from three other lunar sites. The six space flights returned 2200 separate samples from six different exploration sites on the Moon. Shiny, black impact-generated glass was splashed on the side.īetween 19 six Apollo missions brought back 382 kilograms (842 pounds) of lunar rocks, core samples, pebbles, sand and dust from the lunar surface. Lunar Rocks and Soils from Apollo MissionsĪ one-Kg (2.2 lbs) Apollo 16 breccia rock formed from meteorite impact. ![]()
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