The Moon Is Older Than We Thought, Scientists Find

The age of the moon has been debated for decades. Previously thought to be around 4.35 billion years old, new research suggests it could be as much as 200 million years older. How do scientists determine the age of celestial bodies?

Earth is the only planet in the Solar System that orbits the Sun with its natural satellite, the Moon. Compared to other moons in the Solar System, it is neither the largest nor the smallest - it is the fifth largest. It completes a full orbit around the Earth in 27.3 days (the so-called sidereal month). It is also the only celestial body on which humans have stood - so far, 12 astronauts have done so.

Interestingly, the Moon does not have its own name , unlike other natural satellites of the planets. Mars has Phobos and Deimos, Jupiter has Io and Europa, and our satellite is simply called the Moon.

Astronomy and astrophysics are complex fields of science that rely on precise mathematical calculations and geological studies. To determine the age of the Moon, scientists analyze lunar dust collected by astronauts on the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. This was the last manned mission to the Moon, during which astronauts collected more than 110 kg of samples and traveled more than 35 km during "spacewalks" using lunar rovers.

SEE: Lunar mission fails. Japanese probe 'hard landing'

The collected material contained microscopic crystals of uranium and zirconium, which allowed for the precise age determination of the rocks. The scientists analyzed the lead content in the zirconium, and then used ultraviolet lasers to evaporate the atoms, which were then subjected to spectrometric examination. Thanks to this, it was estimated that the Moon may be 4.46 billion years old.

This discovery contradicts previous studies that indicated an age of 4.35 billion years. However, science is constantly evolving, and each new research method can provide additional data, changing the current state of knowledge.

The latest calculation method was described in the journal Science, but according to some scientists, there is still no clear evidence to confirm the new findings . Richard Carlson, director of the terrestrial magnetism department at the Carnegie Institution for Science, pointed out that although the research work was done with great precision, some assumptions may not have sufficient scientific support.

SEE: The Final End of Life on Earth. NASA Provides Precise Date

"It's just a really complicated problem, which is why we still don't have a clear answer to something as basic as the age of the moon," Dr. Carlson told The Verge.

Despite the end of the space race, the study of the solar system still plays an important role. It provides valuable information about geological and atmospheric processes that can help understand climate change, predict natural disasters, and create crisis management strategies.

SEE: Two superpowers will build a nuclear power plant. On the moon

Furthermore, a better understanding of the Moon could be crucial for future manned missions and the potential colonization of other planets.