Scientists have discovered that the moon is about 40 million years older than previously thought, based on new analyses of mineral crystals found in rock samples collected by astronauts during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. The crystals, called zircon, provide insights into the moon’s formation and the age of the Earth’s celestial partner. It is believed that the moon formed approximately 4.46 billion years ago, within 110 million years after the birth of the solar system. The leading theory is that a Mars-sized object collided with Earth, causing magma to be blasted into space and eventually form the moon. This new research confirms the age of the moon’s formation and highlights the long-lasting nature of zircon crystals. The findings have important implications for understanding the history and stability of Earth’s climate, as well as future space exploration endeavors.
These findings were published in the journal Geochemical Perspectives Letters by a team of researchers from various institutions, including the Field Museum in Chicago and the University of Glasgow in Scotland. The study utilized advanced techniques such as atom probe tomography and ion microprobe analysis to confirm the age of the zircon crystals and provide a more accurate timeline of the moon’s formation.
Further research into the moon’s composition and history will continue to enhance our understanding of the dynamics of the solar system and the role of celestial bodies like the moon in shaping Earth’s environment and sustaining life.