AI Insight
Scientists have simulated the ancient impact that created the South Pole-Aitken basin, the Moon's largest and oldest crater, and discovered that the collision ejected material from deep within the Moon's interior. The low-angle impact from a large, iron-cored object scattered mantle rocks across the lunar surface. These deep-origin rocks may now be accessible near planned Artemis mission landing sites, potentially allowing astronauts to study material that would otherwise remain buried far below the surface.
Why it matters
This finding could enable future astronauts to collect and analyze rocks from the Moon's mantle without needing to drill deep into the surface, providing unprecedented insights into the Moon's internal composition and early geological history. Access to such samples would significantly advance our understanding of lunar formation and evolution.
Understand the Science
A colossal ancient collision may have left some of the Moon’s deepest secrets surprisingly close to future Artemis landing sites. By recreating the impact that formed the giant South Pole-Aitken basin—the Moon’s largest and oldest crater—scientists found that a low-angle strike from a large, iron-cored object blasted material from deep inside the Moon, including mantle rocks.
Source: Future astronauts could walk across rocks from deep inside the Moon