Scientists Uncover Critical Reaction Behind Unique Lunar Rock Formation

The discovery, involving the exchange of iron in magma with magnesium in surrounding rocks, explains the presence of titanium-rich 'high-Ti basalts' on the moon's surface.

• Scientists have discovered a critical reaction that occurred deep within the moon 3.5 billion years ago, leading to the creation of a unique rock type distributed across the lunar surface.
• The reaction involved the exchange of iron in magma with magnesium in surrounding rocks, changing chemical and physical properties in one of the three components of magma.
• High concentrations of titanium (Ti) on certain parts of the lunar surface have been recognized since the NASA Apollo missions, and these 'high-Ti basalts' are widespread across the moon.
• Until now, models have been unable to recreate magma compositions that match essential chemical and physical characteristics of the high-Ti basalts, particularly their low density.
• The team used high-temperature laboratory experiments and spectroscopic examinations of actual high-Ti basalts returned from the moon to solve this puzzle.

5 Articles

Space.com The Debrief Sci.News Open Access Government Tech Explorist