Data from the Chandrayaan-3 mission has revealed the chemical composition of lunar regolith at Shiv Shakti Point (69.37°S, 32.35°E), the landing site near the Moon’s South Pole. In-situ measurements by the Pragyan rover indicate that the soil is rich in iron and magnesium but low in aluminum, mirroring the composition of the ALHA 81005 lunar meteorite found in Antarctica.
Geological Significance
- Impact History: The site is located within the ejecta blanket of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, the Moon’s largest and oldest impact crater. The data suggests that the impact excavated deep-seated materials from the lower crust or upper mantle, which were subsequently mixed into the surface regolith.
- Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO) Theory: The presence of these deep-seated, magnesium-rich minerals provides empirical support for the LMO theory, which posits that the early Moon was molten, allowing heavier minerals (pyroxene/olivine) to sink into the mantle while lighter ones (anorthositic plagioclase) formed the crust.
Key Payloads
- APXS: Conducted elemental analysis (Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe) via alpha particle and X-ray irradiation.
- LIBS: Performed rapid elemental mapping of soil/rocks using laser-pulse ablation.
- ChaSTE: Measured thermal conductivity and gradients up to 10 cm deep.
- ILSA: Recorded micro-seismic activity to map crustal/mantle structures.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Shiv Shakti Point: IAU-approved name for the Chandrayaan-3 landing site.
- Tiranga Point: Name for the Chandrayaan-2 impact site.
- ALHA 81005: First meteorite definitively proven to be of lunar origin (1981).
- Regolith: The layer of loose, fragmented rock and dust blanketing the Moon’s bedrock.