China published the atlas of the Moon with the highest precision and high definition in the world

Beijing. China published the world’s first set of maps of the Moon’s surface with the highest precision and high definition. Based on scientific studies, it provides basic cartographic data for future research and exploration on Earth’s natural satellite.

The atlas contains plans, at a scale of 1:2.5 million, around the surface of the Moon, the distribution of the different rocks over the entire terrain, a tectonic scheme and 30 standardized subschematic geological maps, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

With this, you can view 12,341 impact craters and 81 basins, 17 types of rocks and minerals, as well as 14 tectonic structures, in addition to some special elements, including the landing sites of human probes, among other aspects.

Since 2012, Ouyang Ziyuan and Liu Jianzhong, members of the CAS, have led a team of scientists and cartographers from major institutions in compiling this atlas, the state news agency Xinhua reported.

The geological atlas of the Moon is of great importance for studying its evolution, selecting the site for a future research station and using the satellite’s resources. It can also help us better understand Earth and other planets, such as Mars.said Ouyang, quoted by Xinhua.

Liu assured that The world has witnessed significant progress in the field of lunar exploration and scientific research over the past decades, which has greatly improved our understanding of the satellite..

Sample collection

He noted that the next mission is expected Chang’e-6 of China collect samples in the Apollo Basin within the Aitken Basin of the South Pole, on the far side of the Moon, meaning it is feasible to gather materials from ancient terrain.

Our map can provide macroscopic context to improve the purpose and efficiency of research around samplesLiu explained.

The CAS indicated that “as the maps of the Moon used intentionally and obtained by the program Apollo of the United States do not reflect the results of research in past decades, they no longer meet the needs of future scientific studies and satellite exploration.

Since 2012, when Ouyang, the first chief scientist of the Asian giant’s satellite exploration program, proposed compiling and researching a new map of the Moon’s surface, a team of researchers from different organizations in China has been working on it, he detailed. the official newspaper The Global Times on your portal.