Lithological map of the Moon
China released the first complete lunar geological atlas in high definition last weekend. The book presents detailed maps of the Moon at a scale of 1:2.5 million, offering a wealth of valuable information for research and future exploration missions of Earth’s natural satellite.
Developed by the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the lunar geological atlas can be read in both Mandarin and English, targeting an international audience of scientists and researchers.
Those responsible for launching the book highlight its importance for understanding lunar evolution and for the more precise definition of a future research station on the Moon.
The atlas is considered an essential piece for understanding not only the Moon, but also the Earth and other planets, such as Mars.
Atlas cover
The geological atlas mapped an impressive 12,341 impact craters, 81 impact basins, 17 types of lithologies and 14 types of structures present on the lunar surface. This detail offers an unprecedented view of lunar geology, providing data for future exploration missions and scientific research.
Work to create this atlas began in 2012, with Ouyang Ziyuan and Liu Jianzhong leading a team of scientists and cartographers dedicated to the research. The map is considered the first on a global scale to use data from the post-Apollo era, representing an advance in human knowledge about the Moon and its geological characteristics.
Experts believe the atlas’ contents will not only answer long-standing questions about lunar geology, but also open doors to new discoveries and new avenues of space exploration.
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Tags: China publishes geological atlas Moon
