Moon, the Earth's natural satellite, is often perceived as dry and composed of dust and volcanic rock. However, an analysis of a lunar meteorite presented by a postdoctoral fellow from Western University reveals it may have a wetter history.
The recent research, titled "Detection of apatite in ferroan anorthosite indicative of a volatile-rich early lunar crust" published in the journal Nature Astronomy, revealed that the early lunar crust from over 4 billion years ago was significantly enriched with water.
Apatite Discovery in Meteorites Rewrites Moon's Watery History
Lunar meteorites play a pivotal role in advancing the comprehension of the Moon's evolution, offering valuable insights beyond the limited scope of the Apollo missions, which covered only a fraction of the lunar surface. The recent analysis of a lunar meteorite has unveiled a surprising aspect of lunar history.
Led by lunar geoscientist Tara Hayden from the University of Western Ontario, their research team discovered a mineral, apatite, in the meteorite, indicating that the lunar crust harbored significantly more water-rich volatile elements over 4 billion years ago.
Apatite, a common phosphate, was identified in material from the Moon for the first time, marking a groundbreaking discovery. Hayden expresses excitement over this revelation, emphasizing its potential to unravel the previously unknown stage of lunar history.
Contrary to earlier assumptions, the Moon's early crust appears to have been more water-rich than anticipated, as revealed by the presence of apatite and the intricate details provided by its volatile stable isotopes.
During the Apollo missions, scientists observed an apparent depletion of volatiles such as carbon, chlorine, hydrogen, and sulfur on the Moon compared to Earth. This scarcity suggested a bone-dry lunar environment. However, ongoing evidence challenges this notion, with water discovered in lunar volcanic glass and speculated to be trapped as ice in shadowed craters, hinting at a more hydrated Moon than initially perceived.
Investigating the Moon's Chemistry Beyond Apollo Samples
The study of the Moon's volatile history has been hindered by the scarcity of volatile-bearing minerals, particularly apatite. Hayden's verification of a lunar rock sample for a collector unexpectedly revealed not only the rock's lunar origin but also a significant presence of apatite, providing researchers with a newfound opportunity to delve into the complex and water-rich history of the Moon.
The lunar rock, named Arabian Peninsula 007, is a lunar breccia comprised of diverse minerals bound together in a rock matrix, resembling a mineral fruit cake. Apatite challenges the assumption that Apollo samples accurately depict the entirety of the Moon's composition. This discovery implies that local lunar rocks narrate unique chapters of the Moon's historical evolution.
The predominant knowledge about the Moon's water history is derived from Apollo samples, believed to represent a mere fraction (around 5%) of the Moon's total surface. Hayden underscores the meteorite's significance as it hails from the Moon and exhibits crucial chemistry essential for comprehending lunar water-bearing minerals.
Despite current limitations in Moon exploration, upcoming missions, such as NASA's Artemis in 2026, promise new insights into lunar mysteries. Meanwhile, lunar meteorites provide valuable glimpses into the Moon's past and potential water reservoirs, challenging prior assumptions and prompting exploration for this valuable lunar resource.
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