China's Lunar Rover Discovers Unusual Crystalline Structures on Moon’s Far Side
China's Lunar Rover Discovers Unusual Crystalline Structures on Moon’s Far Side
In a groundbreaking revelation, China’s Chang’e-7 lunar rover has uncovered highly reflective crystalline structures beneath the Moon’s far side surface, deep within the South Pole–Aitken basin. The discovery is raising new questions about the Moon’s geological history and its early evolution.
The formations — thin, glass-like shards embedded in ancient regolith — were detected using advanced ground-penetrating radar and spectral imaging tools. According to preliminary analysis, they are unlike any previously collected lunar sample, including those from NASA’s Apollo missions.
"These structures suggest a different kind of high-energy impact process, one possibly linked to early lunar volcanism or asteroid clustering," said Dr. Lin Hao, chief geologist for the Chang’e program.
A Discovery Hidden in the Shadows
The Moon’s far side has long been hidden from Earth-based observation. Chang’e-7’s deep-core drilling capabilities allowed it to retrieve material as deep as 15 meters below the surface — farther than any previous mission to date.
Scientists believe the crystals could be remnants of a meteorite impact fused with pre-existing lunar material, forming exotic compounds never seen before in natural space environments.
Potential Scientific Breakthroughs
These samples may help unravel clues about the Moon’s thermal activity and its early crustal development. Furthermore, the unique mineral composition could inform future plans for in-situ resource utilization on long-duration missions.
The Chinese Space Agency has announced plans to bring back a sample of the crystals during its upcoming Chang’e-8 sample return mission scheduled for 2027.
Softmagazines will continue following this historic discovery as more analysis and global peer reviews emerge.