Hold onto your lab goggles, space fans! 🚀 A groundbreaking study of lunar samples from China’s Chang'e-5 mission has uncovered that the moon once had a weak but persistent magnetic field — like Earth’s invisible shield, but way chiller. This cosmic detective work helps solve mysteries about our moon’s fiery past and why it’s so… well, magnetically basic now.
Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed moon rocks scooped up from Oceanus Procellarum (yes, that’s Latin for 'Ocean of Storms' 🌊) and found the lunar dynamo — think of it as the moon’s internal engine — was still sputtering along 2 billion years ago. The field strength? Just 2-4 microteslas, weaker than your fridge magnet! 🧲
But here’s the plot twist: Last month, another study using Chang'e-6 samples showed the moon’s magnetism made a surprise comeback around 2.8 billion years ago. Together, these findings paint a picture of a moon that kept its magnetic mojo way longer than we thought, with epic volcanic events possibly keeping things hot under the surface. 🌋
Why care? As researcher Shuhui Cai puts it: 'This magnetic shield could’ve protected ancient moon water and shaped its surface story.' 💧 Next time you stare at the moon, remember — it’s got more secrets than your TikTok FYP!
