Analysis of lunar soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-6 mission from the far side of the Moon has confirmed the theory that the entire lunar surface was once covered by a magma ocean. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences found that basalt fragments from the far side have a similar composition and age to samples previously gathered from the near side. This suggests that surface formation processes were uniform across the Moon.
According to the magma ocean model, the early Moon underwent global melting. As a result, denser minerals sank to form the mantle, while lighter ones floated to create the crust. As the magma solidified, it formed a layer known as KREEP—a rock enriched with specific elements. The discovery of KREEP traces on both the near and far sides of the Moon supports the hypothesis that a vast magma ocean once covered the entire lunar surface.
While the samples from both sides share many similarities, researchers also noted some differences in isotopic ratios. These variations may be linked to distinct evolutionary processes that occurred after the magma ocean cooled. Further study of these samples will deepen our understanding of the Moon’s geological history and the mechanisms that shaped its surface.
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