Hidden Depths of the Moon: What Glass Beads Reveal About Its Mantle

SpaceTime: Your Guide to Space & Astronomy

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In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover fascinating new insights into the Moon's hidden mantle, the dynamics of stellar nurseries, and the latest lunar lander mishap.
A New Window into the Moon's Hidden Mantle
Recent studies of unique green glass beads retrieved by China's Chang' E5 mission suggest evidence of a significant asteroid impact on the Moon. These beads, with their unusually high magnesium content, may originate from the Moon's mantle, offering scientists their first direct glimpse into this elusive layer. We discuss the implications of this discovery for understanding lunar geology and the history of our celestial neighbor.
Unusual Stellar Nursery Discovered Near the Milky Way's Center
New findings indicate that star formation rates near the galactic center of the Milky Way are unexpectedly low, despite the high density of stellar material. Utilizing data from NASA's retired SOFIA observatory, researchers have identified that these regions may produce only one generation of stars, challenging traditional models of stellar nurseries. We explore what these revelations mean for our understanding of galactic dynamics and star formation processes.
Another Lunar Lander Crashes on the Moon
The Japanese I Space lunar lander, Resilience, has tragically crashed during its landing attempt on the Moon, marking another setback in the race for lunar exploration. We delve into the details surrounding the mission's failure and the ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the cause of the crash. This incident highlights the challenges faced by commercial space missions as they strive to achieve successful lunar landings.
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✍️ Episode References
Science Advances
https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv
Astrophysical Journal
https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X
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00:00 This is Space Time Series 28, Episode 72 for broadcast on 16 June 2025
01:00 A new window into the Moon's hidden mantle
12:15 Unusual stellar nursery discovered near the Milky Way's center
22:30 Another lunar lander crashes on the Moon
30:00 Science report: New insights into the mystery of why cats purr