The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has recently published a detailed geologic atlas of the moon, which is available in both Chinese and English. This atlas showcases various intriguing geological features such as impact craters and provides a scale of 1:2.5 million. Each ring structure on the map represents an impact event, with smaller rings called impact craters and larger ones called impact basins.
Liu Jianzhong, a senior researcher at the Institute of Geochemistry, CAS, explained the significance of the different colored age groups on the map. Purple indicates the oldest impact craters, while red indicates younger ones. This atlas was a result of work that started in 2012, where Chinese scientists and cartographers collaborated to draw the detailed map.
Over the years, China has embarked on various lunar missions, including orbiters like Chang’e 1 and Chang’e 2, which aimed to map the lunar surface. Subsequent missions like Chang’e 3, Chang’e 4, and Chang’e 5 have placed landers, rovers, and collected samples from both the near side and far side of the moon. The upcoming Chang’e 6 lunar far side sample return mission is set to launch soon.
This geologic atlas is seen as a valuable resource by Ouyang Ziyuan, a renowned Chinese lunar scientist. It provides insights into the moon’s history, resource distribution, and potential for future exploration. China’s ambitious plans include building the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) on the moon in the 2030s and sending astronauts to the moon before 2030.
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