The truth about the Moon. Samples collected over half a century ago
The latest research on tiny zircon crystals, collected in December 1972 during the Apollo 17 mission, suggests that the Moon is 40 million years older than initially thought. This means it might be only slightly younger than our planet. Analyses conducted by a team led by Dr. Jennika Greer shed new light on the history of the Silver Globe.
The results of a study published in the scientific journal "Geochemical Perspectives Letters" throw new light on the age of Earth's natural satellite. A team of experts led by geologist Jennika Greer at the University of Glasgow reexamined the lunar samples collected during the Apollo 17 mission. Their analyses showed that the Moon is at least 4.46 billion years old and is slightly younger than Earth, which is estimated to be 4.54 billion years old.
The moon is older than initially thought
Initially, experts believed that the Silver Globe was 4.42 billion years old. One of the more popular theories assumed that it formed about 100 million years after the creation of the Solar System when planets already existed. At that time, a body the size of Mars was supposed to have struck the Earth, which led to the expulsion of a large amount of material into space. It is from this mass that the Moon most likely originated.
During the most recent research, experts examined samples collected during the Apollo 17 mission. They contain zircon crystals that were formed billions of years ago. According to scientists, these crystals hold information about the age of the moon. The samples were examined using, among others, one of the imaging techniques at the nanoscale, namely APT (Atom Probe Tomography). This technique helps to obtain a three-dimensional image of the atomic structure of the sample. Researchers also used mass spectrometry, an analytical technique that allows precise measurement of the mass-to-charge ratio of an ion.
According to Sky News - a British television news service, atoms found in zircon crystals have undergone radioactive decay - a process in which protons and neutrons are emitted. Scientists have determined how long this process takes, and by observing the proportions of different uranium and lead atoms present in the sample, they could determine its age.
By revealing the age of these characteristic zircon crystals, found in samples taken over half a century ago from the Moon, researchers were able to determine when the Silver Globe was formed. This information can assist in further research and provide new insights about our planet's natural satellite and its history.
