Uncovering the mystery of lunar magnetic anomalies

 An international team of astronomers and geologists has discovered the mystery of the Moon's magnetic anomalies by analyzing regolith that was brought to Earth by China's Chang'e-5 probe. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, has opened up new perspectives on understanding the nature of these mysterious anomalies recorded in the lunar crust.

The value of the discovery lies in the identification of mineral particles, including magnetite, which proved to be the key to solving a long-standing mystery. Magnetite, or highly magnetized iron ore, was found in submicroscopic spherical iron sulfide grains in lunar regolith. Researchers explain that these drops resemble molten balls, suggesting that they were formed by powerful asteroid impacts during the early stages of the Moon's development.

Through computer modeling, scientists have determined that the regolith on the Moon is saturated with electrons under the influence of the solar wind, which prevents the formation of iron ore by combining with oxygen. Unlike Earth, the Moon has no atmosphere to protect it, leaving it in a reduced state. This is a circumstance that changes our idea of the geological processes taking place on the Moon.

The research results suggest that tiny magnetite grains were formed in extreme conditions, i.e. during asteroid impacts, which melted the regolith and allowed the formation of a gas mixture with asteroid particles. This mixture then settled on the lunar surface and the magnetite was distributed over the impact zones, which is explained by magnetic anomalies in the lunar crust.

The frenzy of these collisions could have transformed materials into submicroscopic magnetite, making it an important source of ferromagnetic material on the lunar surface. The magnetic anomalies are the result of powerful asteroid impacts that occurred on the Moon centuries ago, leaving traces of magnetite.

Ultimately, the discovery of magnetite in the lunar regolith opens new research perspectives and helps in understanding the geological history of the lunar crust. This is the next step in the search for answers to questions about the evolution of the Moon and the role it plays in the planetary system.