WALL – Chinese scientists announced that a new mineral was discovered in samples collected from the Moon.
According to the news of Anadolu Agency, officials from the China National Space Administration (CNSA), National Nuclear Authority (CNNC) and Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) announced the discovery of the new mineral at a press conference.
The phosphate minaret found in rock and soil samples collected by the Çang’ı-5 rover, which was launched to the Moon in 2020, was named “Çangızit-(Y)”.
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.
Vang also stated that the research team also measured the density of “Helium-3”, which has the potential to be used from fusion energy in the Moon samples in the future.
Changizite-(Y) mineral, which was detected in basalt rocks collected from the Moon, was confirmed by the New Minerals, Terms and Classification Commission of the International Minerology Union and recorded. Changgizite-(Y) is the 6th new mineral discovered on the Moon to date.
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.
The discovery was announced ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the “Moon Festival”, which will be celebrated tomorrow in China.
The mineral is named after the Lunar nymph “Chang” in Chinese mythology, just like China’s lunar exploration program.
China became the first country to achieve this by landing its “Ching 4” robotic vehicle on the dark side of the Moon in 2019. The “Chang’i 5” vehicle, which is planned to collect samples from the surface of the Moon, 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 Center for the Lunar Exploration and Space Program, reported that they have distributed 152 sample batches of approximately 53 grams in 4 batches to 98 applicants from 33 research institutions so far.
China 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 Zhang, 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. (NEWS CENTER)