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.

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)

Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have uncovered an important step in the process of transforming seafloors into towering mountains using tiny minerals called zircons.

Zircons are a type of mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. They are commonly found in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Zircon crystals are typically tetragonal prisms with pyramidal ends.

These crystals, no bigger than grains of sand, have revealed a previously overlooked phase in tectonic activity. This new finding may potentially reshape our understanding of Earth's geological history.

Published in the journal Geology, the study focused on zircons extracted from the Andes mountains in Patagonia. While these zircons formed during tectonic plate collisions, their chemical composition suggested a surprising association with plates moving apart. This has defied conventional models.

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Lead author Fernando Rey, a doctoral student at UT's Jackson School of Geosciences, said that this anomaly may be explained by a previously undocumented process involving the mixing of oceanic and continental crusts in magma chambers.

Rey suggested, "If you put some oceanic basin below this magma, you have a change in the composition of this magma as it's incorporated."&nbsp;

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This theory of oceanic magma mixing could represent a critical transitional phase in the formation of back-arc basins.

Coauthor Matt Malkowski highlighted the importance of back-arc basins, stating, "This is the Earth's way of sequestering carbon."

The zircons collected from Patagonia revealed unexpected chemical signatures. While zircons from the basin's opening phase displayed anticipated characteristics, those from its closure phase exhibited an unexplained delay in chemical shifts.

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The researchers proposed a model where tectonic forces not only squeeze oceanic crust into mountains but also underthrust portions of that crust towards magma chambers. This influenced zircon signatures.

This transitional phase, where zircons are influenced by oceanic crust, might be&nbsp;a widespread phenomenon in back-arc basins worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have uncovered an important step in the process of transforming seafloors into towering mountains using tiny minerals called zircons.

Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin have uncovered an important step in the process of transforming seafloors into towering mountains using tiny minerals called zircons. Zircons are a type of mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. They are commonly found in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Zircon crystals are typically tetragonal prisms with pyramidal ends. These crystals, no bigger than grains of sand, have revealed a previously overlooked phase in tectonic activity. This new finding may potentially reshape our understanding of Earth's geological history. Published in the journal Geology, the study focused on zircons extracted from the Andes mountains in Patagonia. While these zircons formed during tectonic plate collisions, their chemical composition suggested a surprising association with plates moving apart. This has defied conventional models. Also Read | Biden, Netanyahu hold talk - first after WCK aid workers killed in Israeli strikes Lead author Fernando Rey, a doctoral student at UT's Jackson School of Geosciences, said that this anomaly may be explained by a previously undocumented process involving the mixing of oceanic and continental crusts in magma chambers. Rey suggested, "If you put some oceanic basin below this magma, you have a change in the composition of this magma as it's incorporated." Also Read | Experts flag potential Bird Flu epidemic as '100 times worse than Covid' This theory of oceanic magma mixing could represent a critical transitional phase in the formation of back-arc basins. Coauthor Matt Malkowski highlighted the importance of back-arc basins, stating, "This is the Earth's way of sequestering carbon." The zircons collected from Patagonia revealed unexpected chemical signatures. While zircons from the basin's opening phase displayed anticipated characteristics, those from its closure phase exhibited an unexplained delay in chemical shifts. Watch | Russia and NATO are now in 'direct confrontation', says Kremlin × The researchers proposed a model where tectonic forces not only squeeze oceanic crust into mountains but also underthrust portions of that crust towards magma chambers. This influenced zircon signatures. This transitional phase, where zircons are influenced by oceanic crust, might be a widespread phenomenon in back-arc basins worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

How do seafloors transform into towering mountains? Scientists uncover crucial step

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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