New Study Reveals Moon’s Ancient Impact Influences Artemis Missions

New research sheds light on the Moon’s geological history, particularly focusing on the South Pole-Aitken basin, the largest known impact crater in the solar system. A study led by planetary scientist Jeffrey Andrews-Hanna from the University of Arizona suggests that this colossal crater, formed approximately 4.3 billion years ago, was created by an impactor approaching from the north, challenging previous assumptions that it came from the south.

The South Pole-Aitken basin is notable for its size, spanning roughly 1,931 kilometers north-south and 1,600 kilometers east-west. The shape of the basin, which narrows toward the south, indicates the “down-range” direction of the impact. According to Andrews-Hanna, this revelation is significant for NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions, as the landing sites will be on the down-range rim of the basin, the ideal location to study ejected materials from the impact.

Impact’s Lasting Effects on Lunar Geography

One of the enduring mysteries of the Moon is the disparity between its near and far sides. The far side features a significantly thicker crust and is rugged and heavily cratered, while the near side is characterized by expansive volcanic plains and an abundance of certain radioactive elements. The latest findings suggest that the South Pole-Aitken impact may have opened a “window” in the Moon’s crust, exposing a deeper layer known as KREEP, which consists of Potassium, Rare Earth Elements, and Phosphorus.

These elements, remnants from the Moon’s early molten state, generated heat that potentially fueled volcanic activity on the near side. Notably, the western side of the SPA crater contains more radioactive thorium compared to the eastern side, indicating that the impact may have penetrated different geological layers. This phenomenon supports earlier computer models explaining the Moon’s cooling and evolutionary processes.

Implications for Future Lunar Exploration

The implications of these findings for NASA’s Artemis missions are profound. If the impact that formed the South Pole-Aitken basin scattered deep-seated materials and radioactive elements towards the southern edge, the landing sites could become one of the most scientifically valuable areas on the Moon. Samples collected by astronauts could provide insights into the Moon’s primordial composition and its thermal evolution.

Andrews-Hanna emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “With Artemis, we’ll have samples to study here on Earth… and we will know exactly what they are.” Analyzing these samples may help scientists unravel the structure of the Moon’s interior, the historical movement of heat within it, and the reasons behind the near side’s intense volcanic activity.

While this study does not answer every question regarding the Moon’s history, it offers a fresh perspective on its geological evolution. The findings indicate that the Moon’s most significant impact may hold crucial clues to understanding its current appearance and internal chemistry, paving the way for exciting discoveries in future lunar exploration.