moon volcanoes erupted when dinosaurs roamed Earth

Recent research indicates that volcanic activity on the moon persisted until approximately 120 million years ago, a finding that challenges previous beliefs about the moon's geological history. This conclusion is based on an analysis of three tiny glass beads collected during China's Chang'e 5 mission in 2020. These beads, which are smaller than a pinhead, exhibit chemical signatures consistent with volcanic origins, suggesting that the moon was still geologically active much later than previously thought. Prior studies had estimated that lunar volcanic activity ceased around 2 billion years ago, with some estimates extending back to 4 billion years. The new findings, published in the journal Science, were unexpected and have prompted further investigation into the moon's volcanic history. Julie Stopar, a senior scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, noted that images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter had hinted at more recent volcanic activity, but the glass beads provide the first tangible evidence. The implications of this research extend beyond the moon, as it may offer insights into the volcanic activity of other small celestial bodies, including Earth. Understanding how long these bodies can remain volcanically active is crucial for comprehending their geological evolution. The study's co-author, He Yuyang from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized the need for additional research to confirm the origin of the glass beads and to explore the mechanisms behind the moon's prolonged volcanic activity. As scientists continue to analyze these findings, they hope to inspire further studies that could unravel the complexities of lunar geology and its implications for planetary science as a whole.