The moon might still have active volcanoes, China's Chang'e 5 sample-return probe reveals

Recent findings from China's Chang'e 5 mission, which returned lunar samples in December 2020, suggest that the moon may still have active volcanoes. Analysis of three volcanic glass beads from the samples indicates that volcanic eruptions occurred approximately 123 million years ago, with a margin of uncertainty of 15 million years. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that the moon is geologically inactive and raises questions about its current volcanic activity. The glass beads were formed from magma fountains, a process that produces volcanic glass, and their composition revealed high levels of rare earth elements and thorium. These elements may indicate that recent volcanic activity is linked to localized heat sources in the moon's mantle. This evidence aligns with previous observations from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which identified irregular mare patches on the lunar surface, suggesting that volcanism may have occurred more recently than previously thought. The implications of these findings are significant for our understanding of the moon's geological history. While some scientists have attributed transient lunar phenomena to atmospheric conditions or misidentifications, the new evidence from Chang'e 5 supports the possibility of volcanic outgassing on the moon. This raises intriguing questions about the moon's thermal state and its potential for future volcanic activity. Overall, the Chang'e 5 mission has provided crucial insights into the moon's geological processes, suggesting that it may not be as dormant as once believed. The findings open up new avenues for research into the moon's volcanic history and its current state, indicating that it could still experience volcanic activity today.