PRL Scientists Confirm Moon’s Oldest Impact Basin Using Chandrayaan-1 Data
· Technology · Indian Express, India Today
Researchers at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, have confirmed the existence of the Australe Basin, an ancient impact crater on the Moon’s southeastern hemisphere, using mineralogical data from India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission. The basin, previously undetected due to erosion, is believed to be older than the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest and oldest known impact basin formed over 4 billion years ago. The study, published in *The Planetary Science Journal*, highlights unique mineralogical signatures—low-calcium, high-magnesium basalts—and a circular arrangement of 248 small basalt ponds, distinguishing it from other lunar basins. Lead author Neha Panwar noted the basin’s distinct volcanic activity and gravity signatures, suggesting it could reshape understanding of the Moon’s geological history. The discovery underscores Chandrayaan-1’s enduring value in lunar research despite its 2008 launch.
Why it matters
This finding advances lunar science by identifying a previously hidden geological feature, potentially altering timelines of the Moon’s formation and volcanic activity. For India, it validates the legacy of Chandrayaan-1’s data, reinforcing ISRO’s role in global planetary research and inspiring future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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