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China's Moon Mission Reveals Far Side's Colder Secrets

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Moon's far side appears colder than the near side.
Rock samples from China's Chang'e 6 spacecraft indicate the far side interior crystallized at 1,100°C, ~100°C cooler than the near side.
The study, in Nature Geoscience, notes crust thickness and volcanic activity differ between hemispheres.
The far side's thicker crust and fewer volcanic plains imply a distinct thermal history.

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Story summary

The Moon's far side appears colder than the near side.
Rock samples from China's Chang'e 6 spacecraft indicate the far side interior crystallized at 1,100°C, ~100°C cooler than the near side.
The study, in Nature Geoscience, notes crust thickness and volcanic activity differ between hemispheres.
The far side's thicker crust and fewer volcanic plains imply a distinct thermal history.