In a significant scientific breakthrough, Chinese scientists have unearthed a new mineral on the Moon through samples returned by the Chang'e 5 mission. Launched on November 24, 2020, this mission successfully collected approximately 2 kilograms of lunar nearside samples, which were safely brought back to Earth on December 17 of the same year.
The Discovery of Changesite-(Y)
The newfound lunar mineral, named Changesite-(Y), marks the sixth mineral discovery on the Moon by humankind and the first one to be identified by China. This achievement places China among an elite group of space-faring nations, including the United States and Russia, which have previously discovered lunar minerals. The Changesite-(Y) mineral was found during meticulous analyses of lunar basalt particles obtained during the Chang'e 5 mission. The researchers at the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology (BRIUG), a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation, played a crucial role in this groundbreaking discovery.
Joint Announcement by CNSA and CAEA
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) made a joint announcement in Beijing on September 9, unveiling the findings of the new lunar mineral. The discovery of Changesite-(Y) is a testament to China's rapid advancements in space exploration and scientific research.
Recognition by the International Mineralogical Association
The Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature, and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association has formally recognized the existence of Change site-(Y) as a unique lunar mineral. This international recognition further solidifies the significance of China's discovery in the field of lunar mineralogy.
Chemical Composition and Geological Significance
Chemically, Changesite-(Y) is closely related to the well-known phosphate mineral called merrillite. Merrillite is commonly found in lunar and meteorite samples and has also been identified on Earth. Phosphate minerals are categorized into various groups, with the merrillite group being subdivided into merrillite and whitlockite subgroups. The researchers at BRIUG have classified Changesite-(Y) as a member of the Brianite subgroup, which exclusively appears on the Moon and in meteorites.
Analyzing Changesite-(Y)
The Changesite-(Y) sample obtained from lunar basalt particles is a single-crystalline particle with a mere diameter of 10 microns. It was meticulously separated from a staggering pool of more than 140,000 similar-sized particles. Subsequently, the sample underwent detailed analysis using advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction to determine its crystal structure. The study of its unique properties promises to shed new light on the geological history of the Moon.
Helium-3 Content: A Valuable Resource for Nuclear Fusion
One of the most intriguing aspects of Changesite-(Y) is its notable concentration of helium-3. Helium-3 is a rare isotope of helium and holds immense promise as a valuable fuel for nuclear fusion. This discovery could have profound implications for future lunar resource evaluation and exploration, as helium-3 could potentially serve as a clean and efficient energy source for future human settlements on the Moon and beyond.
The discovery of Changesite-(Y) by Chinese scientists represents a groundbreaking milestone in lunar exploration and mineralogy. This remarkable achievement not only adds to our understanding of the Moon's geological composition but also unlocks the potential of harvesting valuable resources like helium-3 for advancing clean energy technologies. China's Chang'e 5 mission has proven to be a remarkable success, providing the scientific community with valuable lunar samples that will undoubtedly fuel further discoveries and innovations in space exploration.
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