Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Scientists have advanced their understanding of the Moon’s impact history, offering insights into the early solar system’s evolution and the formation of planets.
Recent studies have provided crucial revelations about lunar crater chronology and impact frequency, offering implications for Earth’s geological past.
Research heavily relies on samples returned from lunar missions, aiding in the dating of impact events and the study of lunar surface exposure.
The lunar impact record dates back to the solidification of its magma ocean around 4.46 billion years ago, revealing the early bombardment history.
Around 3.8 billion years ago, a period of intense impacts known as the late heavy bombardment significantly shaped the Moon’s geological evolution.
One of the largest lunar impact structures, the South Pole-Aitken basin, formed around 4.3 billion years ago, preceding the late heavy bombardment.
Despite advancements, uncertainties remain in correlating radiometric ages with crater chronology predictions, particularly for older geological units.
Continued lunar exploration missions, including recent efforts by China’s Chang’e-5, aim to further refine our understanding of lunar impact history and early solar system processes.