Chang’e-5 Moon Samples Propel China-France Lunar Research
French scientists at the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP) are delving into lunar mysteries using samples brought back by China’s Chang’e-5 mission. Through advanced isotope testing, they’re aiming to uncover new insights into the moon’s formation and evolution.
This collaboration stems from the China National Space Administration’s announcement on April 24, which granted scientists from France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States access to the Chang’e-5 lunar samples for research purposes.
Professor Frédéric Moynier of IPGP personally transported the precious samples from China to his laboratory in Paris. “These samples are exceptionally rare,” he emphasized. “They were collected from a previously unsampled northern region on the moon’s near side and are nearly a billion years younger than those obtained during the Apollo missions.”
The findings have already challenged prior understandings of lunar history. According to Moynier, the samples reveal that volcanic activity on the moon persisted much longer than scientists had previously believed. By analyzing isotopic traces of various elements in the lunar soil, the team hopes to piece together a more comprehensive picture of the moon’s past.
China’s increasing contributions to space science have paved the way for deeper international partnerships. “This collaboration has significantly strengthened the ties between Chinese and French researchers,” Moynier noted.
Long Zhengyu, a Chinese PhD student at IPGP, highlighted the importance of this joint effort. “Foreign laboratories can provide unique analysis and testing capabilities for the Chang’e lunar samples from China,” he said. “This marks a significant step in scientific collaboration between China and France.”
Beyond the scientific achievements, the project stands as a testament to global cooperation and the sharing of knowledge. As nations come together to explore the cosmos, such partnerships promise to unlock the secrets of our universe while fostering unity on Earth.
