Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on one of the most enduring questions in space exploration: how old is the Moon? According to a recent study published in the journal Nature, the Moon formed between 4.43 and 4.51 billion years ago, but intense volcanic activity reshaped its crust around 4.35 billion years ago.
The discovery suggests that tidal forces may have caused widespread volcanic activity on the Moon’s surface, resetting the age of its rocks and erasing evidence of earlier impacts. The researchers propose that a massive remelting event, similar to those that occur on Jupiter’s moon Io, could have reshaped the Moon’s geological history.
The study draws parallels between the Moon’s past and present volcanic activity, highlighting the importance of tidal heating in shaping the Moon’s interior and surface composition. By refining our understanding of the Moon’s age, scientists hope to clarify the accuracy of dating methods used for other celestial bodies and shed light on the early history of our solar system.
With ongoing and future lunar missions, such as China’s Chang’e 6, providing valuable data from previously unexplored regions, researchers are hopeful that the Moon will finally reveal its secrets. The study offers a unifying explanation for several longstanding lunar mysteries, and its findings have sparked further discussion and exploration.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-moon-looks-100-million-years-younger-than-its-true-age