Moon's far side is much cooler than near side
Scientists have found evidence that the far side of the Moon is much cooler than the side we see from Earth.
This discovery comes from fresh samples collected by China's Chang'e-6 mission, which landed last year.
The research, co-led by researchers from University College London and Peking University, could reshape what we know about how the Moon formed and changed over time.
How did researchers come to this conclusion?
Researchers studied ancient lava rocks from a crater on the far side and found they crystallized at about 1,100°C—roughly 100°C cooler than similar rocks from Apollo missions on the near side.
Turns out, the far side also has a thicker crust and less volcanic activity.
Findings could help guide future lunar missions
The study found fewer heat-producing elements like uranium and potassium on the far side—a clue that early giant impacts or moonlet collisions shaped its "two-faced" nature.
These findings give scientists a better idea of why each half of our Moon is so different, which could help guide future lunar missions and even planetary science down the road.