26th June 2024 (15 Topics)

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China's First Samples from Moon's Far Side

Context

China has become the first country to successfully collect and return samples from the far side of the Moon, marking a significant milestone in lunar exploration and space technology.

Key Highlights

Chang'e-6 mission landed on the Moon's far side and collected from the South Pole-Aitken Basin.
The samples include 2.5-million-year-old volcanic rock and other material that scientists hope will answer questions about differences between the moon’s two sides.
The samples are expected to answer one of the most fundamental scientific questions in lunar science research:
- What geologic activity is responsible for the differences between the two sides?

Why Far Side of the Moon is difficult to catch?

The far side of the Moon is the side not visible from Earth, a result of a phenomenon called "tidal locking."
In contrast, the near side, which constitutes 60% of the Moon's surface, is always visible from Earth.
This side isn't actually dark; it receives ample sunlight and experiences lunar day and night cycles, just like the near side.
Differences: Despite being lesser-known, the far side of the Moon is distinct from the near side in appearance and geological features.
Day and Night: A lunar day lasts over 29 Earth days, while a lunar night is roughly two weeks long. This extended cycle is due to the Moon's rotation around its axis and its orbit around Earth, resulting in the same side always facing our planet.
Exploration: Throughout history, human exploration has focused on the near side, with several lunar expeditions visiting its familiar terrain. However, recent missions, like China's Chang'e-6, are pioneering efforts to explore and understand the mysteries of the far side.

PYQ

What are the key features of the recently launched "Artemis Program" of NASA? What are its implications for space exploration?

Mains Practice Question

Q. Analyze the scientific and geopolitical implications of China's successful retrieval of lunar samples from the far side of the Moon. How might this achievement influence the future of international space exploration and cooperation?

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China's First Samples from Moon's Far Side

Key Highlights

Why Far Side of the Moon is difficult to catch?

PYQ

Mains Practice Question

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