China discovers a new mineral on the moon: Changesite-(Y) – Science

Today, China announced the discovery of a new mineral on the moon’s surface, called Changesite- (Y), the sixth mineral found by mankind on Earth’s natural moon. became China Thus, it will be the third country to identify an unknown mineral on the moon’s surface, after the United States and Russia.

The deputy head of the China Atomic Energy Commission, Dong Baotong, reported at a press conference in the name of the mineral, which is found in particles of lunar basalt, according to the official Global Times. Committee on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association The discovery, obtained from samples collected by the Chang’e 5 mission from the lunar surface, was confirmed in 2020.

Several institutions in the Asian country participated in the study of the samples, Including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the ministries of education and natural resources.

The scientists explained that the materials collected by the Chinese lunar mission and the research that was conducted are from the origin of Of great importance is the understanding of the origin and evolution of the moon, as well as the possibilities of using its resources effectively.

Last June, it was announced the discovery of high-pressure minerals in samples collected on the moon’s surface by the same probe, such as severtite and stychovite fragments, Metals formed from silicon dioxide exposed to high temperatures and pressures.

The Chang’e program (named after a goddess who lives on the moon according to Chinese legend) began with the launch of the first probe in 2007.

In the last years, Beijing has invested billions of dollars in its space program and has made outstanding achievements such as the successful landing of a probe on the far side of the moon.in January 2019, a feat that no country has achieved so far.