Chang’e-5 has been a key mission in learning more about the Moon. The new finding involves the detection of graphene. Global Times and South China Morning Post have reported on the discovery. Jilin University has published the entire research in National Science Review. It should be emphasized that this marks a turning point in the theory of the big impact and its relationship to Mars. Researchers are focusing on the possibility of solar wind and ancient lunar volcanic eruptions. Read on to learn about this new path in lunar geology.
New unusual discovery: Chang’e-5 analysis
Chinese scientists have made an extraordinary achievement while analyzing the sample Chang’e-5 collected from the Moon’s surface in December 2020. They found by nature occurring “few-layer graphene” for the first time, as state-run reports agency Global Times reports, which could have major intended meaning for humankind’s plans to make use of local means once on the lunar surface.
The achievent might also offer new perspective into the early geological evolution of the Moon. As the South China Morning Post reports, it may even upend a long-held idea that the Moon was created after a small planet collided with the Earth and that much of its carbon came from this impact.
“The prevalent giant impact theory has been strongly supported by the notion of [a] carbon-depleted Moon derived from the early analysis of Apollo samples,” the team led by investigators from Jilin University wrote in their paper published in the journal National Science Review, as quoted by the SCMP.
Nevertheless, the achievements suggest the existence of a “carbon-capture process on the Moon,” leading to the “gradual accumulation of indigenous carbon” — a discovery that could present the perception of chemical components… and the history of the Moon.”
“Raman spectroscopy”: name of the non-destructive chemical analysis
Using a form of non-destructive chemical analysis named “Raman spectroscopy,” the team proved the discovery of a classification of few-layer graphene, which is graphene with anywhere among two and ten layers that can also be manufactured in a lab.
The researchers proposes the material may have formed as a outcome of solar wind battering the lunar surface and early volcanic eruptions. The presence of pure “indigenous carbon” could question the long-held hypothesis that a small planet, almost the size of Mars, collided with the Earth to form the Moon about 4.45 billion years ago.
Neverhteless, the investigators admitted that meteorites may have still led to the creation of graphitic carbon on the Moon, as previous studies have suggested.
“Further in-depth property investigation of natural graphene would provide more information on the geologic evolution of the Moon,” the team concluded.
What the NASA have said
