Scientists find evidence of relatively recent volcanism on the Moon
Posted: Tue, Oct 14, 2014, 8:01 PM ET (0001 GMT)
Analysis of images from a NASA telescope have led planetary scientists to conclude that volcanic activity took place on the Moon within the last 100 million years. In a paper published this week in the journal Nature Geoscience, scientists said images of rock deposits called 'irregular mare patches' indicated that they had to form relatively recently, based on the number and age of craters in them. Some of the mare patches likely formed within the last 100 million years, and in some cases potentially within the last 50 million years. The results indicate that the Moon was volcanically active far later in its history than previously thought, and conflicts with models of the Moon's interior that indicate that it should have cooled to the point where volcanic activity was not possible that recently in its history.
Analysis of images from a NASA telescope have led planetary scientists to conclude that volcanic activity took place on the Moon within the last 100 million years. In a paper published this week in the journal Nature Geoscience, scientists said images of rock deposits called 'irregular mare patches' indicated that they had to form relatively recently, based on the number and age of craters in them. Some of the mare patches likely formed within the last 100 million years, and in some cases potentially within the last 50 million years. The results indicate that the Moon was volcanically active far later in its history than previously thought, and conflicts with models of the Moon's interior that indicate that it should have cooled to the point where volcanic activity was not possible that recently in its history.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, October 10
'All human emotions': French astronaut Sophie Adenot returns to Earth
France 24 — 12:59 am ET (0459 GMT) Antimatter is leaking out of our Galaxy into intergalactic space, say astronomers
BBC — 12:58 am ET (0458 GMT) Moon Rovers in the Fast Lane
ESA — 12:58 am ET (0458 GMT) Elon Musk escalates India Starlink row by highlighting billionaire’s donations to Modi’s party
The Independent — 12:57 am ET (0457 GMT) Musk may fume, but Starlink’s India clearance hinges on safeguards
Sunday Guardian (India) — 12:55 am ET (0455 GMT) |
