Chinese scientists create chemical composition map of the Moon's far side
Chinese researchers have, for the first time, developed a high-precision map showing the distribution of key elements on the Moon’s far side using artificial intelligence. This breakthrough offers significant insights into the Moon’s chemical makeup and geological history. The study was published in the journal Nature Sensors.
The research was conducted by scientists from the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics in collaboration with experts from Tongji University and other Chinese institutions. The analysis was based on soil samples retrieved in 2024 by the Chang’e-6 mission from the South Pole–Aitken basin on the Moon's far side. Artificial intelligence accurately reconstructed the distribution of oxides of six major elements: iron, titanium, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, and silicon across the lunar surface.
This map will enhance understanding of the Moon’s geological past, aiding future explorations of its origin and evolution.
