A team of scientists discovered a unique natural phenomenon beneath two craters on the distant side of the moon. The discovery not only verifies the presence of granite in another celestial body but is a rock type discovered in abundance only on our planet, providing a new angle in moon research concerning thermal and volcanic activity.
Finding of Granite on the Moon
The material beneath the Compton and Belkovich craters on Mars has been found to be granite. Granite is a rock formed when magma cools inside a volcano. Granite always needs water and volcanism in order to form, both of which were never considered to exist on Mars. The existence of this rock indicates volcanic like processes may have occurred in the interior of Mars, rather like those in Earth.
Lunar Heat Source Mapping
Scientists have used information obtained from Chinese probes Chang’E-1 and Chang’E-2 orbiters, as well as US lunar missions in order to create maps of the temperatures beneath the surface. The probes measured the heat emerging from deep in the crust rather than from the surface.
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Dr. Matt Siegler of the Planetary Science Institute described how “The Compton-Belkovich anomaly, which had been presumed to be an extinct volcano, conceals a major ‘hot spot.’”
Volcanic History of Compton Belkovich Region
The volcanic region extends over a distance of 20 km and contains high concentrations of silicon, symbolizing the caldera of an ancient volcano. Although it is estimated to have erupted some 3.5 billion years ago, this region continues to be 10 degrees Celsius hotter than other areas. The causative factor for this hot region is attributed to the presence of radioactive materials preserved in the granite rock.
Consequences in Lunar & Planetary Science
One such scientist is Dr. Rita Economos, a geochemist. She described this formation as a 50km-wide batholith, which is a type of formation formed when lava rises into the crust but doesn’t quite make it out in a volcanic eruption.
The presence of this formation on the moon is an indication of other granites existing on other bodies because this formation may be found in other celestial bodies such as other planets.
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Disclaimer: All information is based on official statements and ongoing investigations; details may evolve as authorities release further updates.