Moon Rocks Arrive in UK for Scientific Study
The first samples of moon dust brought back to Earth in over 50 years have arrived in the UK, where they are being studied by scientists at The Open University in Milton Keynes. According to Sky News, Professor Mahesh Anand, a professor of planetary science and exploration at The Open University, was one of seven international scientists chosen by China to study the samples.
A Rare Opportunity
"It really humbles me to think that I am one of the seven billion plus people on this planet who has a chance to work with these precious samples," Professor Anand said, as reported by Sky News. The samples were collected by China’s Chang’e 5 mission in 2020 and are the first moon rocks brought to Earth since the last Soviet Luna mission in 1976.
Safeguarding the Samples
Professor Anand travelled to Beijing to pick up the samples and was reluctant to let them out of his sight on his journey back to the UK. He carried them in his hand luggage, triple-sealed in containers to prevent them from coming into contact with the terrestrial atmosphere. "I couldn’t risk losing them," he told Sky News. "Today, when I’m carrying one of these samples with me, they are actually in triple-sealed containers. Of course, these are not coming into contact with any terrestrial atmosphere."
Unlocking the Secrets of the Moon
Professor Anand has spent his career studying moon samples brought back to Earth by the Apollo missions. These new samples, collected by China’s Chang’e 5 mission, come from a completely different part of the moon. According to Sky News, Professor Anand said: "It turns out that from a chemical point of view, they are very, very different and they are telling us something very different about the moon’s geological history."
Understanding the Origins of the Moon
The study of these samples will help scientists better understand the origins of the moon and the history of elements that are essential for life on Earth, such as hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. This work is "absolutely crucial" for plans to get humans living on the moon, Professor Anand said, as quoted by Sky News.
A Huge Responsibility
Professor Anand added: "I have a huge obligation and huge responsibility, but I’m just so happy to be given a chance. I want to do my best to get the best out of these samples for the scientific community and for the wider world." The study of these moon rocks will undoubtedly shed new light on the moon’s history and will be an exciting development in the field of space exploration.
Conclusion
The arrival of these moon rocks in the UK marks a significant milestone in the study of the moon and its geological history. As reported by Sky News, scientists at The Open University are eager to begin their research and unlock the secrets of the moon. With the samples safely in their possession, they will be able to conduct crucial research that will help us better understand the moon and its place in our solar system.
