Overview

• Four peer-reviewed Nature papers present detailed studies of 1.9 kg of lunar far-side material returned by China’s Chang’e-6 mission
• Geochemical data indicate an ultra-depleted mantle caused by a colossal asteroid strike over four billion years ago
• Isotopic dating of basalts identifies two volcanic phases at about 4.2 and 2.8 billion years ago, revealing prolonged far-side eruptions
• Paleomagnetic measurements record a rebound in the Moon’s magnetic field 2.8 billion years ago, demonstrating episodic dynamo activity
• China’s space agencies are finalizing protocols to grant international researchers broader access to Chang’e-6 samples despite U.S. subscription restrictions