The Moon is millions of years older than previously thought – Mercato

During its long life, outer space has been a mystery to scientists trying to understand its nature and history. Scientists previously thought the Moon was 4.425 billion years old and was determined during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. However, a new study has shown that the Moon is actually about 4.46 billion years old, meaning it is 40 million years older than previously thought. previously.

This new determination of the Moon’s age is due to the technological advances that have been achieved since then. Dr. Dieter Esheim of Northwestern University confirmed that the tools available today allow for more accurate analysis than samples collected half a century ago. Scientists used radiometric analysis technology to determine the age of the moon through zircon crystals collected by astronauts during the previous mission. The age was determined by calculating the percentage of transformed atoms in the crystals.

The researchers also explained that determining the moon’s age also reveals the stages of its formation. The giant constellation collided with Earth more than 4 billion years ago, separating off a large chunk of Earth that eventually formed the Moon. When the surface was thawed, no zircon crystals formed. But after it cooled, some crystals formed that can be used to determine the age of the moon.

With this new determination of the Moon’s age, our understanding of the formation and history of the solar system is enhanced. Although this determination is not the final limit on the Moon’s age, it represents a powerful tool for understanding its history and evolution.