A recent study suggests that approximately 3.8 billion years ago, two vast gorges on the Moon, Vallisschrödinger and Vallis Planck, were formed in a mere 10 minutes due to a colossal impact event. These gorges, comparable in size to the Grand Canyon, are part of the larger Schrödinger impact basin. Researchers estimate the energy from the impact was 1,200-2,200 times more powerful than the energy from a nuclear explosion.
Using data from NASA’s lunar reconnaissance orbiter, the team analyzed images of these geological features, revealing their extensive lengths—Vallisschrödinger spans 168 miles and Vallis Planck is 174 miles long. The study highlights that the Moon retains records of the early solar system’s impacts, contrasting with Earth, where such evidence has been erased through erosion and geological processes.
Dr. David Kring, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the importance of lunar samples in reconstructing the Moon’s history and understanding the early solar system’s conditions. Future missions, particularly NASA’s Artemis III, aim to explore these gorges and collect rock samples to gain insights into the Moon’s formation and its ancient materials.
Scientists view the Schrödinger Basin as a key site for understanding impact events and planetary formation, predicting that astronauts will be faced with breathtaking scenery upon visiting. The research underscores the lunar surface’s historical significance, making it a compelling target for upcoming explorations.
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