"Moon Canyon Conquest Ancient Asteroid Strike Carves Out Grand Canyons on the Lunar Far Side

Title Moon Canyon Conquest Ancient Asteroid Strike Carves Out Grand Canyons on the Lunar Far Side

The moon, a celestial body shrouded in mystery for centuries, has recently yielded one of its most intriguing secrets. New research suggests that an ancient asteroid strike carved out two grand canyons on the lunar far side approximately 3.8 billion years ago. This groundbreaking discovery not only sheds light on the moon's geological history but also provides valuable insights for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon in the near future.

The Asteroid Strike A Geological Marvel

When a 15-mile (25-kilometer) wide asteroid slammed into the moon's surface, it created a massive basin and sent debris flying at incredible speeds – nearly 1 mile per second. This violent geological process, described by lead author David Kring as very dramatic, resulted in two canyons comparable in size to Arizona's Grand Canyon. What's even more astonishing is that this entire process took place in just about 10 minutes.

The Power of an Asteroid Strike

To put the scale of this event into perspective, consider this the energy released during the asteroid strike was over 130 times greater than the world's current nuclear weapons inventory. This sheer force, combined with the moon's unique geology, led to the formation of these two massive canyons.

Implications for NASA's Artemis Program

This ancient asteroid strike has significant implications for NASA's plans to land humans at the south pole on the near side of the moon. The debris generated by the strike landed away from the target zone, ensuring that older rocks from 4 billion years ago remain exposed and accessible for collection.

The Search for Water Ice

Permanently shadowed areas at the bottom of the moon are thought to hold considerable ice deposits. This water ice could be used as rocket fuel and drinking water for future lunar explorers. NASA's Artemis program aims to send humans around the moon next year, followed by a lunar touchdown in 2025.

A Geological Canard

In the world of roller derby, the term canard refers to a type of maneuver where an athlete uses their arms and body to create a wall or barrier. Similarly, this ancient asteroid strike created a kind of geological canard – a massive, lunar-scale barrier that has left its mark on the moon's surface.

Conclusion

The discovery of these two grand canyons on the lunar far side is a remarkable reminder of the moon's complex and fascinating history. As we prepare to return to the moon with NASA's Artemis program, this finding serves as a testament to the moon's enduring mysteries and our continued quest for knowledge about our celestial neighbor.

Keywords Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, asteroid strike, Grand Canyon, moon geology, NASA's Artemis program, water ice

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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