June 24, Kathmandu – New research suggests that rocks from the Moon’s deep interior were scattered across its surface due to a massive ancient impact. Scientists indicate that future Artemis mission astronauts may find these significant rocks near their landing sites. A scientific team led by the Southwest Research Institute uncovered this fact while studying the formation process of the Moon’s largest and oldest crater, the South Pole–Aitken (SPA) Basin.
According to computer simulations, when a large iron-core object struck the Moon at a low angle, mantle rocks from the interior were ejected onto the surface. This research was conducted by investigators at NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, specifically under the Center for Lunar Origin and Evolution (CLOE). The South Pole–Aitken Basin, situated in the lunar south, is one of the oldest structures in the solar system.
Dr. William Bottke, director of CLOE, explained that the impact was so powerful it brought mantle rocks from the deep lunar interior to the surface. The simulation showed that the object struck the lunar surface moving from north to south, resulting in the elongated shape of the basin. The study reveals the impactor was not a simple rock but rather a small protoplanet or asteroid with an iron core.
This colossal impact generated not only a massive crater but also intense heat that melted surrounding rocks. The process ejected large amounts of material from the lunar crust and mantle into space, much of which later settled around the basin. A gravity-based study led by Dr. Gabriel Gorman of the University of Arizona also confirmed the area contains a mixture of rocks originating from the mantle.
Previously, scientists believed these deep-sourced rocks were only found in regions far from the lunar south pole. However, new simulations and gravitational analysis indicate that such rare rocks are spread throughout the south polar area where Artemis astronauts will land. Researchers suggest subsequent smaller impacts helped expose these buried rocks on the surface. This discovery will play a crucial role in landing site selection for Artemis astronauts and robotic missions, opening new avenues to understand the Moon’s origin and evolution.
