Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones.

New Study Rewrites The Moon's History

California, United States
Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones.
This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skygazers-get-a-rare-cosmic-treat-as-cold-moon-shines-in-sky-after-19-years-784317">Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years</a>
Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation.
According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction.
The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio of uranium to lead.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturns-rings-may-have-existed-since-the-solar-system-was-created-study-784694">Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study</a>
The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago.
The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago.
(With inputs from agencies)

This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected



California, United States Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones. This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz. Also read | Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation. According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction. The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio of uranium to lead. Also read | Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago. The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

The Moon may be much older than we thought, new study suggests

Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones.

This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skygazers-get-a-rare-cosmic-treat-as-cold-moon-shines-in-sky-after-19-years-784317">Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years</a>

Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation.

According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction.

The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio&nbsp;of uranium to lead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/saturns-rings-may-have-existed-since-the-solar-system-was-created-study-784694">Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study</a>

The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago.

The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers from the United States, France and Germany have discovered that Earth’s natural satellite may have been formed as early as 4.53 billion years ago. This estimate derived from the new analysis is hundreds of millions of years earlier than previous ones. This discovery may help in answering other questions about the Moon like why it has less metal compared to Earth and why it has fewer big impact basins than expected. The research can also provide better insights into the evolution and history of our own planet, according to the team led by geologist Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz. Also read | Skygazers get a rare cosmic treat as 'Cold Moon' shines after 19 years Earlier, it was believed that the Moon was formed after a large object, roughly the size of Mars, struck the Earth, while it was still in its formation stages about 4.35 billion years ago. However, the new research suggests it was formed much earlier and then experienced a dramatic “re-melting” at the time which was assumed for its creation. According to the research, this re-melting event occurred due to the Earth’s and Moon’s gravitational pull tugging at each other, called a tidal force, which caused it to stretch and squish and warm the Moon drastically due to friction. The study also explains the existence of zircon crystals, a mineral found on lunar rocks during the Apollo mission. The age of this mineral can be determined by observing the ratio of uranium to lead. Also read | Saturn's rings may have existed since the Solar System was created: Study The zircon crystals have been dated significantly older than the age of the Moon. While one crystal has been measured to be 4.46 billion years old, another was calculated to have formed 4.51 billion years ago. The melting process altered the lunar surface, causing the metals to sink below and hiding the Moon’s real age, according to the study that was published in the journal Nature. This would imply that our planet has been with its natural satellite for almost its entire lifespan as it is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago. (With inputs from agencies)

To add new heights to the skyscraper-studded Dubai, Canadian entrepreneur Michael Henderson has proposed a $5 billion real estate project which aims at creating a moon-like resort. 
 
Henderson has envisioned building the moon's 900-foot replica atop a 100-foot building present in Dubai, a city which already boasts of the world’s tallest building as well as other architectural wonders. 
 
Henderson believes that his ambitious project, which has been named MOON and will be funded by Moon World Resorts Inc, is not that far-fetched. 
 
“We have the biggest ‘brand’ in the world,” said Henderson, while speaking to The Associated Press, as he alluded that the moon itself was his brand. “Eight billion people know our brand, and we haven’t even started yet,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/jeff-bezos-honoured-as-nasa-taps-blue-origin-to-build-moon-lander-594286">Jeff Bezos honoured as NASA taps Blue Origin to build moon lander</a>

 
Henderson's project has proposed the inclusion of a destination resort&nbsp;inside the spherical structure, which will look like a moon. 
 
The resort will have a 4,000-room hotel as well as an arena capable of hosting 10,000 people and a “lunar colony” where people would be provided with the experience of walking on the moon. 
 
MOON will be placed on a pedestal-like circular building and will glow during nighttime. The project was discussed by Henderson at the Arabian Travel Market earlier in May in Dubai.

<h2>Artists illustrate MOON at various locations</h2>

Moon World Resorts have already commissioned artists who have illustrated the ambitious MOON at different locations, which include Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at a height of 2,710 feet. 
 
Some have even placed the resort at the Dubai Pearl, which is a long-dormant project and is now facing destruction near the man-made Palm Jumeirah archipelago and its unfinished sister, the Palm Jebel Ali. 
 
The Pearl and the Palm Jebel Ali are the two “white elephant” projects which have been left unfinished since the 2009 financial crisis that rocked the country and forced United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi to bail out Dubai with $20 billion.

WATCH |&nbsp;All you need to know about Hakuto-R Moon landing mission

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-you-need-to-know-about-hakuto-r-moon-landing-mission-586130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Now after 15 years, Dubai's fate has turned around. On average, rents across Dubai have increased by 26.9 per cent year-on-year, even after anti-price-gouging protections. Last year, Dubai saw 86,849 residential sales which crossed the previous year's record of 80,831 from 2009. 
 
Dubai's prominent real estate agency Allsopp &amp; Allsopp CEO Lewis Allsopp said, “Dubai is in a completely different world compared to” 2009. Launched products are “selling out on the spot.” 
 
Speaking about the project, Middle East expert and author of the book “From Sheikhs to Sultanism” Christopher Davidson said that like high-profile and eye-catching architectural marvels, MOON can fit well into “the legitimacy formula of Dubai’s ruling elite”.

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To add new heights to the skyscraper-studded Dubai, Canadian entrepreneur Michael Henderson has proposed a $5 billion real estate project which aims at creating a moon-like resort.

To add new heights to the skyscraper-studded Dubai, Canadian entrepreneur Michael Henderson has proposed a $5 billion real estate project which aims at creating a moon-like resort. Henderson has envisioned building the moon's 900-foot replica atop a 100-foot building present in Dubai, a city which already boasts of the world’s tallest building as well as other architectural wonders. Henderson believes that his ambitious project, which has been named MOON and will be funded by Moon World Resorts Inc, is not that far-fetched. “We have the biggest ‘brand’ in the world,” said Henderson, while speaking to The Associated Press, as he alluded that the moon itself was his brand. “Eight billion people know our brand, and we haven’t even started yet,” he added. ALSO READ | Jeff Bezos honoured as NASA taps Blue Origin to build moon lander Henderson's project has proposed the inclusion of a destination resort inside the spherical structure, which will look like a moon. The resort will have a 4,000-room hotel as well as an arena capable of hosting 10,000 people and a “lunar colony” where people would be provided with the experience of walking on the moon. MOON will be placed on a pedestal-like circular building and will glow during nighttime. The project was discussed by Henderson at the Arabian Travel Market earlier in May in Dubai. Artists illustrate MOON at various locations Moon World Resorts have already commissioned artists who have illustrated the ambitious MOON at different locations, which include Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at a height of 2,710 feet. Some have even placed the resort at the Dubai Pearl, which is a long-dormant project and is now facing destruction near the man-made Palm Jumeirah archipelago and its unfinished sister, the Palm Jebel Ali. The Pearl and the Palm Jebel Ali are the two “white elephant” projects which have been left unfinished since the 2009 financial crisis that rocked the country and forced United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi to bail out Dubai with $20 billion. WATCH | All you need to know about Hakuto-R Moon landing mission Now after 15 years, Dubai's fate has turned around. On average, rents across Dubai have increased by 26.9 per cent year-on-year, even after anti-price-gouging protections. Last year, Dubai saw 86,849 residential sales which crossed the previous year's record of 80,831 from 2009. Dubai's prominent real estate agency Allsopp & Allsopp CEO Lewis Allsopp said, “Dubai is in a completely different world compared to” 2009. Launched products are “selling out on the spot.” Speaking about the project, Middle East expert and author of the book “From Sheikhs to Sultanism” Christopher Davidson said that like high-profile and eye-catching architectural marvels, MOON can fit well into “the legitimacy formula of Dubai’s ruling elite”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Dubai’s $5 billion real estate project envisions a 900-foot moon-like resort

The moon is getting rusty. And it actually takes rocket science to understand the phenomenon.

There are plenty of iron-rich rocks on the moon -- but rust is only produced when iron is exposed to oxygen and water.

The dichotomy has been solved by researchers, who have enough evidence to prove their findings.

India's lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, orbited the moon in 2008, and gathered data that said there are water molecules on its surface.

When researchers at NASA and the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology analysed the data recently, they were stunned to find hints of hematite, a form of iron oxide known as rust.&nbsp;

Not only is there no air on the moon, but it is flooded with hydrogen that flows from the sun, carried by solar wind. Rust is produced when oxygen removes electrons from iron; hydrogen does the opposite by adding electrons, which means it's all the harder for rust to form on the hydrogen-rich moon.

This rust was more concentrated on the side of the moon that faces Earth -- which gave impetus to their research.

Earth is encompassed in a magnetic field, and solar wind stretches this bubble to create a long magnetic tail in the downwind direction. The moon enters this tail three days before it's full, and it takes six days to cross the tail and exit on the other side.

During these six days, Earth's magnetic tail covers the moon's surface with electrons. Dust particles on the moon's surface can then float off the ground, and moon dust might fly into a dust storm, according to NASA.

And oxygen from the Earth travels on this magnetic tail to land on the moon, where it interacts with lunar water molecules to create rust.

The magnetic tail also blocks nearly all solar wind during the full moon -- meaning the moon is temporarily shielded from the blast of hydrogen, opening a window for rust to form.

This theory could also explain why rust has been found on other airless bodies like asteroids.&nbsp;

It, however, remains unclear how exactly water on the moon is interacting with rock. 
&nbsp;

The moon is getting rusty. And it actually takes rocket science to understand the phenomenon. There are plenty of iron-rich rocks on the moon -- but rust is only produced when iron is exposed to oxygen and water.

The moon is getting rusty. And it actually takes rocket science to understand the phenomenon. There are plenty of iron-rich rocks on the moon -- but rust is only produced when iron is exposed to oxygen and water. The dichotomy has been solved by researchers, who have enough evidence to prove their findings. India's lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, orbited the moon in 2008, and gathered data that said there are water molecules on its surface. When researchers at NASA and the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology analysed the data recently, they were stunned to find hints of hematite, a form of iron oxide known as rust. Not only is there no air on the moon, but it is flooded with hydrogen that flows from the sun, carried by solar wind. Rust is produced when oxygen removes electrons from iron; hydrogen does the opposite by adding electrons, which means it's all the harder for rust to form on the hydrogen-rich moon. This rust was more concentrated on the side of the moon that faces Earth -- which gave impetus to their research. Earth is encompassed in a magnetic field, and solar wind stretches this bubble to create a long magnetic tail in the downwind direction. The moon enters this tail three days before it's full, and it takes six days to cross the tail and exit on the other side. During these six days, Earth's magnetic tail covers the moon's surface with electrons. Dust particles on the moon's surface can then float off the ground, and moon dust might fly into a dust storm, according to NASA. And oxygen from the Earth travels on this magnetic tail to land on the moon, where it interacts with lunar water molecules to create rust. The magnetic tail also blocks nearly all solar wind during the full moon -- meaning the moon is temporarily shielded from the blast of hydrogen, opening a window for rust to form. This theory could also explain why rust has been found on other airless bodies like asteroids. It, however, remains unclear how exactly water on the moon is interacting with rock.

The Earth is contributing towards rust on the Moon

By landing on the Moon in 1969, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/first-10-men-who-walked-on-the-moon-367#neil-armstrong-52029">Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin</a> arrived at a place which, up until that point, had been the stuff of fantasy.

But even after they transformed fantasy into fact, it is a place that continues to capture the imagination of storytellers, as it has for centuries.

Literature, novels, cinema from antiquity to the present, the Moon has been the object of any number of imaginary expeditions.

As far back as the second century BC, the satirist Lucian of Samosata, in "True Stories", imagined a voyage to the Moon that saw the author and his fellow travellers find the King of the Moon caught up in a war with the King of the Sun.

In the 17th century, French writer Cyrano de Bergerac the real one, not the character in Edmond Rostand's famous play wrote a tale titled "The Other World: Comical History of the States and Empires of the Moon".

Baron Munchausen travelled to the Moon in a flying boat in German writer Rudolf Erich Raspe's 1785 fantasy.

And the 17th-century astronomer Johannes Kepler imagined demons on the Moon in his story titled "The Dream".

In more modern times, science fiction pioneer HG&nbsp;Wells imagined a sophisticated race of insect-like creatures living below the satellite's surface in "The First Men on the Moon".

Wells's adventurers reached the Moon using a substance that negated the forces of gravity.

Verne, in his 1865 tale "From the Earth the Moon", was a little less fanciful, shooting his travellers across space in a giant cannon.

A century or so later Armstrong, travelling back from the Moon, referred to Verne's tale in one of his television broadcasts.

More recently still, one of Herge's 1950s Tintin adventures featured a visit to the Moon and even Snowy, his loyal dog, got a spacesuit.

Changing the face of the Moon&nbsp;

Cinema versions of the Moon have been equally fanciful.

In George Melies' extraordinary 1902 work "A Trip to the Moon", the travellers find giant mushrooms and excitable natives.

He follows Verne with a cannon-propelled space capsule and a splashdown at sea on their return.

As technology brought the possibility of a lunar flight closer, that seemed to dampen the market for the more fanciful lunar tales.

Classic sci-fi writer Robert Heinlein still used the Moon as the setting for his 1966 novel "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress".

But by this time, humans inhabit it and Heinlein's tale is about the revolt of the lunar colony against rule from Earth.

And just a year before the real Moon landings, Stanley Kubrick's epic 1968 film "2001" has astronauts at an outpost on the Moon finding a mysterious obelisk there.

Here, as in Clarke's original story, the Moon has become little more than the stage for something far more important.

Perhaps what the 1969 Apollo mission to the Moon did was not so much end the telling of tales about the satellite as changing the kind of stories being told.

After the Apollo landings, the Moon became a focus for pop culture.

The heroes of the achingly kitsch 1970s science fiction television series "Space 1999" are based on the Moon and have to cope with a nuclear accident that knocks it out of orbit and sends them hurtling into space.

The Moon also featured in any number of comic-book adventures and cartoon series from the 1970s onwards.

David Bowie released his Kubrick-inspired classic 1969 single "Space Oddity" the same month as the Moon landings.

A generation later, in the 2013 version, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield played his cover version of the song from the International Space Station.

And in 2009 Bowie's son, Duncan Jones, broke into the cinema mainstream with his cult hit sci-fi puzzler "Moon".

By landing on the Moon in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin arrived at a place which, up until that point, had been the stuff of fantasy. But even after they transformed fantasy into fact, it is a place that continues to capture the imagination of storytellers, as it has for centuries.

By landing on the Moon in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin arrived at a place which, up until that point, had been the stuff of fantasy. But even after they transformed fantasy into fact, it is a place that continues to capture the imagination of storytellers, as it has for centuries. Literature, novels, cinema from antiquity to the present, the Moon has been the object of any number of imaginary expeditions. As far back as the second century BC, the satirist Lucian of Samosata, in "True Stories", imagined a voyage to the Moon that saw the author and his fellow travellers find the King of the Moon caught up in a war with the King of the Sun. In the 17th century, French writer Cyrano de Bergerac the real one, not the character in Edmond Rostand's famous play wrote a tale titled "The Other World: Comical History of the States and Empires of the Moon". Baron Munchausen travelled to the Moon in a flying boat in German writer Rudolf Erich Raspe's 1785 fantasy. And the 17th-century astronomer Johannes Kepler imagined demons on the Moon in his story titled "The Dream". In more modern times, science fiction pioneer HG Wells imagined a sophisticated race of insect-like creatures living below the satellite's surface in "The First Men on the Moon". Wells's adventurers reached the Moon using a substance that negated the forces of gravity. Verne, in his 1865 tale "From the Earth the Moon", was a little less fanciful, shooting his travellers across space in a giant cannon. A century or so later Armstrong, travelling back from the Moon, referred to Verne's tale in one of his television broadcasts. More recently still, one of Herge's 1950s Tintin adventures featured a visit to the Moon and even Snowy, his loyal dog, got a spacesuit. Changing the face of the Moon Cinema versions of the Moon have been equally fanciful. In George Melies' extraordinary 1902 work "A Trip to the Moon", the travellers find giant mushrooms and excitable natives. He follows Verne with a cannon-propelled space capsule and a splashdown at sea on their return. As technology brought the possibility of a lunar flight closer, that seemed to dampen the market for the more fanciful lunar tales. Classic sci-fi writer Robert Heinlein still used the Moon as the setting for his 1966 novel "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress". But by this time, humans inhabit it and Heinlein's tale is about the revolt of the lunar colony against rule from Earth. And just a year before the real Moon landings, Stanley Kubrick's epic 1968 film "2001" has astronauts at an outpost on the Moon finding a mysterious obelisk there. Here, as in Clarke's original story, the Moon has become little more than the stage for something far more important. Perhaps what the 1969 Apollo mission to the Moon did was not so much end the telling of tales about the satellite as changing the kind of stories being told. After the Apollo landings, the Moon became a focus for pop culture. The heroes of the achingly kitsch 1970s science fiction television series "Space 1999" are based on the Moon and have to cope with a nuclear accident that knocks it out of orbit and sends them hurtling into space. The Moon also featured in any number of comic-book adventures and cartoon series from the 1970s onwards. David Bowie released his Kubrick-inspired classic 1969 single "Space Oddity" the same month as the Moon landings. A generation later, in the 2013 version, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield played his cover version of the song from the International Space Station. And in 2009 Bowie's son, Duncan Jones, broke into the cinema mainstream with his cult hit sci-fi puzzler "Moon".

How visions of the Moon inspired centuries of storytellers

By Joshua Chou

The world is still celebrating the historic landing of China’s Chang’e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. China has announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base.

Colonising the Moon, and beyond, has always being a human aspiration. Technological advancements, and the discovery of a considerable source of water close to the lunar poles, has made this idea even more appealing.

But how close is China to actually achieving this goal?

If we focus on the technology currently available, China could start building a base on the Moon today.

The first lunar base

The first lunar base would likely be an unmanned facility run by automated robotics – similar to Amazon warehouses – to ensure that the necessary infrastructures and support systems are fully operational before people arrive.

The lunar environment is susceptible to deep vacuum conditions, strong temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, among other conditions hostile to humans. More importantly, we have yet to fully understand the long term impact on the human body of being in space, and on the Moon.

Seeds taken to the Moon by the Chang'e-4 mission have now reportedly sprouted. This is the first time plants have been grown on the Moon, paving the way for a future food farm on the lunar base.

Building a lunar base is no different than building the first oil rig out in the ocean. The logistics of moving construction parts must be considered, feasibility studies must be conducted and, in this case, soil samples must be tested.

China has taken the first step by examining the soil of the lunar surface. This is necessary for building an underground habitat and supporting infrastructure that will shield the base from the harsh surface conditions.

3D printed everything

Of all the possible technologies for building a lunar base, 3D printing offers the most effective strategy. 3D printing on Earth has revolutionised manufacturing productivity and efficiency, reducing both waste and cost.

China’s vision is to develop the capability to 3D print both inside and outside of the lunar base. 3D printers have the potential to make everything from daily items, like drinking cups, to repair parts for the base.

But 3D printing in space is a real challenge. It will require new technologies that can operate in the microgravity environment of the Moon. 3D printing machines that are able to shape parts in the vacuum of space must be developed.

New materials are required

We know that Earth materials, such as fibre optics, change properties once they are in space. So materials that are effective on Earth, might not be effective on the Moon.

Whatever the intended use of the 3D printed component, it will have to be resistant to the conditions of the lunar environment. So the development of printing material is crucial. Step-by-step, researchers are finding and developing new materials and technologies to address this challenge.

For example, researchers in Germany expect to have the first “ready to use” stainless steel tools to be 3D printed under microgravity in the near future. NASA also demonstrated 3D printing technology in zero gravity showing it is feasible to 3D print in space.

On a larger scale, we have seen houses being 3D printed on Earth. In a similar way, the lunar base will likely be built using prefabricated parts in combination with large-scale 3D printing.

Examples of what this might look like can be seen to entries in the 3D printed habitat challenge, which was started by NASA in 2005. The competition seeks to advance 3D printing construction technology needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Living on the Moon

So far, we’ve focused on the technological feasibility of building a lunar base, but we also need to consider the long term effect of lunar living on humans. To date, limited studies have been conducted to examine the biological impact on human physiology at the cellular level.

We know that the human organs, tissues and cells are highly responsive to gravity, but an understanding of how human cells function and regenerate is currently lacking.

What happens if the astronauts get sick? Will medicine from Earth still work? If astronauts are to live on the Moon, these fundamental questions need to be answered.

In the long term, 3D bioprinting of human organs and tissues will play a crucial role in sustaining lunar missions by allowing for robotic surgeries. Russia recently demonstrated the first 3D bioprinter to function under microgravity.

To infinity and beyond

Can China build a lunar base? Absolutely. Can human beings survive on the Moon and other planets for the long term? The answer to that is less clear.

What is certain is that China will use the next 10 to 15 years to develop the requisite technical capabilities for conducting manned lunar missions and set the stage for space exploration.

 
(Joshua Chou is Senior lecturer, University of Technology Sydney) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-realistic-are-chinas-plans-to-build-a-research-station-on-the-moon-109942">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Joshua Chou The world is still celebrating the historic landing of China’s Chang’e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. China has announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base.

By Joshua Chou The world is still celebrating the historic landing of China’s Chang’e-4 on the far side of the moon on January 3. China has announced its plans to follow up with three more lunar missions, laying the groundwork for a lunar base. Colonising the Moon, and beyond, has always being a human aspiration. Technological advancements, and the discovery of a considerable source of water close to the lunar poles, has made this idea even more appealing. But how close is China to actually achieving this goal? If we focus on the technology currently available, China could start building a base on the Moon today. The first lunar base The first lunar base would likely be an unmanned facility run by automated robotics – similar to Amazon warehouses – to ensure that the necessary infrastructures and support systems are fully operational before people arrive. The lunar environment is susceptible to deep vacuum conditions, strong temperature fluctuations and solar radiation, among other conditions hostile to humans. More importantly, we have yet to fully understand the long term impact on the human body of being in space, and on the Moon. Seeds taken to the Moon by the Chang'e-4 mission have now reportedly sprouted. This is the first time plants have been grown on the Moon, paving the way for a future food farm on the lunar base. Building a lunar base is no different than building the first oil rig out in the ocean. The logistics of moving construction parts must be considered, feasibility studies must be conducted and, in this case, soil samples must be tested. China has taken the first step by examining the soil of the lunar surface. This is necessary for building an underground habitat and supporting infrastructure that will shield the base from the harsh surface conditions. 3D printed everything Of all the possible technologies for building a lunar base, 3D printing offers the most effective strategy. 3D printing on Earth has revolutionised manufacturing productivity and efficiency, reducing both waste and cost. China’s vision is to develop the capability to 3D print both inside and outside of the lunar base. 3D printers have the potential to make everything from daily items, like drinking cups, to repair parts for the base. But 3D printing in space is a real challenge. It will require new technologies that can operate in the microgravity environment of the Moon. 3D printing machines that are able to shape parts in the vacuum of space must be developed. New materials are required We know that Earth materials, such as fibre optics, change properties once they are in space. So materials that are effective on Earth, might not be effective on the Moon. Whatever the intended use of the 3D printed component, it will have to be resistant to the conditions of the lunar environment. So the development of printing material is crucial. Step-by-step, researchers are finding and developing new materials and technologies to address this challenge. For example, researchers in Germany expect to have the first “ready to use” stainless steel tools to be 3D printed under microgravity in the near future. NASA also demonstrated 3D printing technology in zero gravity showing it is feasible to 3D print in space. On a larger scale, we have seen houses being 3D printed on Earth. In a similar way, the lunar base will likely be built using prefabricated parts in combination with large-scale 3D printing. Examples of what this might look like can be seen to entries in the 3D printed habitat challenge, which was started by NASA in 2005. The competition seeks to advance 3D printing construction technology needed to create sustainable housing solutions for Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Living on the Moon So far, we’ve focused on the technological feasibility of building a lunar base, but we also need to consider the long term effect of lunar living on humans. To date, limited studies have been conducted to examine the biological impact on human physiology at the cellular level. We know that the human organs, tissues and cells are highly responsive to gravity, but an understanding of how human cells function and regenerate is currently lacking. What happens if the astronauts get sick? Will medicine from Earth still work? If astronauts are to live on the Moon, these fundamental questions need to be answered. In the long term, 3D bioprinting of human organs and tissues will play a crucial role in sustaining lunar missions by allowing for robotic surgeries. Russia recently demonstrated the first 3D bioprinter to function under microgravity. To infinity and beyond Can China build a lunar base? Absolutely. Can human beings survive on the Moon and other planets for the long term? The answer to that is less clear. What is certain is that China will use the next 10 to 15 years to develop the requisite technical capabilities for conducting manned lunar missions and set the stage for space exploration. (Joshua Chou is Senior lecturer, University of Technology Sydney) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How realistic are China’s plans to build a research station on the Moon?

The Moon is at least 4.51 billion years old, up to 140 million years older than previously thought, according to a new study of minerals called zircons brought back from the lunar body to the Earth by the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

The Moon&#39;s age has been a hotly debated topic, even though scientists have tried to settle the question over many years and using a wide range of scientific techniques.

&quot;We have finally pinned down a minimum age for the Moon; it is time we knew its age and now we do,&quot; said Melanie Barboni, research geochemist at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US.

The Moon was formed by a violent, head-on collision between the early Earth and a &quot;planetary embryo&quot; called Theia.

The new study would mean that Moon formed &quot;only&quot; about 60 million years after the birth of the solar system, providing critical information for astronomers and planetary scientists who seek to understand the early evolution of the Earth and our solar system, researchers said.

That has been a difficult task, Barboni said, because &quot;whatever was there before the giant impact has been erased&quot;.

While scientists cannot know what occurred before the collision with Theia, these findings are important because they will help scientists continue to piece together major events that followed it.

It is usually difficult to determine the age of Moon rocks because most of them contain a patchwork of fragments of multiple other rocks. However, Barboni was able to analyse eight zircons in pristine condition.

She examined how the uranium they contained had decayed to lead and how the lutetium they contained had decayed to an element called hafnium.

The researchers analysed those elements together to determine the Moon&#39;s age.

&quot;Zircons are nature&#39;s best clocks. They are the best mineral in preserving geological history and revealing where they originated,&quot; said Kevin McKeegan, a UCLA professor of geochemistry and cosmochemistry.

The Earth&#39;s collision with Theia created a liquefied Moon, which then solidified. Scientists believe most of the Moon&#39;s surface was covered with magma right after its formation.

The uranium-lead measurements reveal when the zircons first appeared in the Moon&#39;s initial magma ocean, which later cooled down and formed the Moon&#39;s mantle and crust; the lutetium hafnium measurements reveal when its magma formed, which happened earlier.

Previous studies concluded the Moon&#39;s age based on Moon rocks that had been contaminated by multiple collisions. McKeegan said those rocks indicated the date of some other events, &quot;but not the age of the Moon&quot;.

The study was published in the journal Science Advances.

(PTI)

The Moon was formed by a violent, head-on collision between the early Earth and a 'planetary embryo' called Theia, and it happened long ago

The Moon is at least 4.51 billion years old, up to 140 million years older than previously thought, according to a new study of minerals called zircons brought back from the lunar body to the Earth by the Apollo 14 mission in 1971. The Moon's age has been a hotly debated topic, even though scientists have tried to settle the question over many years and using a wide range of scientific techniques. "We have finally pinned down a minimum age for the Moon; it is time we knew its age and now we do," said Melanie Barboni, research geochemist at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US. The Moon was formed by a violent, head-on collision between the early Earth and a "planetary embryo" called Theia. The new study would mean that Moon formed "only" about 60 million years after the birth of the solar system, providing critical information for astronomers and planetary scientists who seek to understand the early evolution of the Earth and our solar system, researchers said. That has been a difficult task, Barboni said, because "whatever was there before the giant impact has been erased". While scientists cannot know what occurred before the collision with Theia, these findings are important because they will help scientists continue to piece together major events that followed it. It is usually difficult to determine the age of Moon rocks because most of them contain a patchwork of fragments of multiple other rocks. However, Barboni was able to analyse eight zircons in pristine condition. She examined how the uranium they contained had decayed to lead and how the lutetium they contained had decayed to an element called hafnium. The researchers analysed those elements together to determine the Moon's age. "Zircons are nature's best clocks. They are the best mineral in preserving geological history and revealing where they originated," said Kevin McKeegan, a UCLA professor of geochemistry and cosmochemistry. The Earth's collision with Theia created a liquefied Moon, which then solidified. Scientists believe most of the Moon's surface was covered with magma right after its formation. The uranium-lead measurements reveal when the zircons first appeared in the Moon's initial magma ocean, which later cooled down and formed the Moon's mantle and crust; the lutetium hafnium measurements reveal when its magma formed, which happened earlier. Previous studies concluded the Moon's age based on Moon rocks that had been contaminated by multiple collisions. McKeegan said those rocks indicated the date of some other events, "but not the age of the Moon". The study was published in the journal Science Advances. (PTI)

Our Moon is 140 million years older than we thought: Study

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Our Moon is 140 million years older than we thought: Study