Chinese scientists reported that a new mineral was discovered in samples collected from the Moon.
China National Space Administration (CNSA), National Nuclear Authority (CNC) and Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) officials announced the discovery of the new mineral at a press conference.
Name of the mineral: Changgizit-(Y)
It was found in rock and soil samples collected by the Chang’i-5 rover, which was launched to the Moon in 2020. to the phosphate mineral “Changhizit-(Y)” was named.
CNNC official Vang Shuecun stated that scientists from the Beijing Uranium Geology Research Institute, affiliated with the institution, has isolated a single crystal particle from more than 140,000 lunar particles by X-ray diffraction method, and that a 10-micron piece with a diameter of about one-tenth of a hair strand is understood to be a new mineral.
The density of helium-3 was measured
Vang also noted that the research team has the potential to use fusion energy in the Moon samples in the future. “Helium-3”He stated that he also measured the degree of density.
Changizite-(Y) mineral, which was detected in basalt rocks collected from the Moon, was confirmed by the International Minerology Union New Minerals, Terms and Classification Commission and recorded. Changgizite-(Y) is the 6th new mineral discovered on the Moon to date.
Moon Festival
Before China, the United States and Russia had pioneered the discovery of new minerals by collecting rock and soil samples from the Moon’s surface.
Discovery to be celebrated tomorrow in China “Moon Festival” It was announced ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Mineral is the Moon fairy in Chinese mythology, just like China’s lunar exploration program. “Chang”bears the name of.
lunar exploration program
China in 2019 “Chang 4” It was the first country to achieve this by landing its robotic vehicle on the dark side of the Moon. Planned to collect samples from the Moon’s surface “Chang 5” The vehicle was launched into space on November 24, 2020, and returned to Earth on December 16, 2020, with 1.73 kilograms of rock and soil samples collected.
Liu Cicong, Director of the CNSA’s Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center, reported that they have distributed 152 samples of 53 grams in 4 batches to 98 applicants from 33 research institutions to date, AA reported.
China has sent a reconnaissance vehicle to the dark side of the Moon, Zhang 4, and Zhang, which collected rock and soil samples from the surface, and Chang, which aims to collect new samples in 2023-2024, and Zhang, which aims to carry out exploration activities at the south pole of the Moon, after their mission. ‘i plans 7 missions.
On the other hand, carrying out a manned space mission to the Moon in 2030 is among the country’s goals.
