China Yutu-2 Rover Spots Weird Translucent Glass Spheres on Moon’s Far Side

A pair of translucent glass spheres measuring nearly a half-inch thick have been discovered in an impact crater near the lunar south pole. They are the first of its species to be found on the Moon.

The beads were most likely created by a severe impact or early volcanic activity due to the heat produced by a powerful impact. The discovery is noteworthy because glass spheres provide crucial information on the composition of the mantle and the history of lunar volcanism and impact cratering.

The researchers published their study, "Translucent Glass Globules on the Moon," in Science Bulletin.

TOPSHOT-CHINA-SPACE-MOON — TOPSHOT - This picture released on January 11, 2019 by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) via CNS shows the Yutu-2 moon rover, taken by the Chang'e-4 lunar probe on the far side of the moon. - China will seek to establish an international lunar base one day, possibly using 3D printing technology to build facilities, the Chinese space agency said on January 14, weeks after landing the rover on the moon's far side. The agency said four more lunar missions are planned, confirming the launch of a probe by the end of the year to bring back samples from the moon. China National Space Administrat/AFP via Getty Images

Glass Found in Far Side of the Moon

If mankind ever went seeking for glass on the Moon's surface, it would find it in plenty. According to Science Alert's report, there is a lot of silicate material on the lunar surface, and all it takes to transform it into glass is a lot of heat. Volcanic eruptions formerly erupted on the Moon, but impact from smaller objects such as meteorites creates enough heat to melt glass.

According to the experts, the spheres seen by Yutu-2 might be the product of the latter, as stated in their report published in Science Bulletin. Even though the lunar rover has discovered several similar spheres during its three-year stay on the surface, these new spheres are unique.

Other spheres discovered by Yutu-2 were only a millimeter in diameter, while these two spheres had dimensions of up to an inch (25 mm). Similar spheres were discovered on the near side of the Moon during the Apollo 16 mission. They were, in fact, far larger than the ones Yutu-2 discovered, measuring 1.5 inches in diameter.

Tektites are similar artifacts that have been discovered on Earth. According to the researchers, these macroscopic items are thought to be a widespread characteristic of the Moon, with additional spherules "abundant over the lunar highland," according to the researchers.

In December 2021, Yutu-2 made waves when it noticed a mysterious figure on the lunar horizon. The item, dubbed the "mystery hut," was discovered to be an unevenly shaped rock.

🌖Chang'e-4 Yutu-2 lunar rover discovers translucent glass globules on far side of moon! Paper: https://t.co/2CU0vGfui7 pic.twitter.com/8Y15R7vWD9
— CNSA Watcher (@CNSAWatcher) February 20, 2022

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Translucent Glass Made From Lunar Volcanic Eruptions

Gizmodo, citing Zhiyong Xiao and other research authors, said the spheres observed on the far side are translucent and exhibit a vitreous luster. The spheres were discovered near new impact craters, indicating that meteorite collisions were the origin of their production.

On the other hand, Daily Mail said the spheres were produced long ago during volcanic eruptions on the Moon. They were dug by a recent meteorite fall, melted, and reformed into transparent globs again.

If the idea is correct, there will likely be many more similar spheres on the lunar surface, the composition of which may be investigated to learn more about the Moon's past. If that's the case, the Chinese have plenty of experience transporting samples from the Moon back to Earth.

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