A novel study into lunar dust procured during the 1972 Apollo 17 mission, the last human expedition to the moon, suggests that our closest neighbor in space is evidently older than what was initially presumed. The current findings indicate that the moon is around 40 million years more advanced in age as opposed to the previous estimate of 4.425 billion years. This revelation signifies a significant milestone in deciphering the chronicles of the solar system.
Lunar Sample Examination and the Atom Probe Tomography Method
Carrying out this groundbreaking work required the researchers to utilize innovative techniques to scrutinize lunar samples on an incredibly minute scale. They employed the Atom Probe Tomography (APT), a cutting-edge technology that has enhanced the precision of examining clusters of lead within zircon crystals.
Interpreting Zircon Crystals
The research focused on reanalysis of some crystals from lunar sample 72255, which was known to house 4.2 billion-year-old zircon. Fascinatingly, zircon, labeled as the oldest mineral found on Earth, is believed to harbor critical information about planetary formation. Consequently, the reexamination of these crystals has shed light on many aspects of the moon’s creation.
Giant Impact Hypothesis Backed by Findings
The recent findings fortify the giant impact hypothesis – the theory that postulates a colossal object named Theia, possibly the size of Mars, collided with the still-forming Earth resulting in the genesis of the moon. Furthermore, the study aligns with the Lunar Magma Ocean theory, offering explanations about the moon’s internal composition.
Comparative Analysis of Earth-Moon Ages
Estimations place the Earth’s age between 4.5 and 4.6 billion years, implying that the moon trails by only a fraction at 4.46 billion years old. This comparative point of view enhances our comprehension of the solar system’s early history and reaffirms the intimate relationship shared by Earth and its moon.
Dating Through Zircon
Zircon has a special property where it incorporates uranium the moment it crystallizes. Uranium, over time, decays into lead. Investigators have used this feature to track the Moon’s age by measuring the amounts of uranium and lead in zircon using highly sensitive devices. It’s then a straightforward calculation to determine the amount of time that has elapsed since the formation of lead from uranium decay.
