Nasa launching ‘priority’ mission to investigate mysterious domes on the moon
6/7/22
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Nasa launching ‘priority’ mission to investigate mysterious domes on the moon
Nasa is to launch a ‘priority’ mission to explore mysterious domes on the moon. The space agency announced a rover will visit the Gruithuisen Domes, a geological feature that has long baffled scientists.
These domes are suspected to have been formed by a sticky magma rich in silica, similar in composition to granite. On Earth, however, formations like these need oceans of liquid water and plate tectonics to form, but without these key ingredients on the moon, lunar scientists have been left to wonder how they formed and evolved over time.
Related: For similar stories check out our news page (Picture: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State Uni/SWNS)
A Lunar Mystery: The Gruithuisen Domes
Image Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University
Published: April 20, 2022
We’ve got a lunar mystery on our hands! The Gruithuisen Domes are a geologic enigma. Based on early telescopic and spacecraft observations, these domes have long been suspected to be formed by a magma rich in silica, similar in composition to granite. Observations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) confirmed that the Gruithuisen Domes are distinct from the surrounding terrain, which is covered by ancient hardened basaltic lava flows. Basaltic lavas are runny and thin and flow sort of like motor oil – as opposed to silicic lavas, which are thick, and flow more like peanut butter. The Gruithuisen Domes were formed by eruptions of silicic lavas, which didn’t flow outward easily, creating domes.
The real mystery is how such silicic magmas could form on the Moon. On Earth, silicic volcanoes typically form in the presence of two ingredients—water and plate tectonics. But without these key ingredients on the Moon, scientists are left to wonder: How did the Gruithuisen Domes form?
There are few theories about the formation of silica-rich lunar magmas. In order to truly understand these puzzling features, we need to visit the domes, explore them from the ground, and analyze rock samples. Luckily, NASA is planning to do just that! In 2025, a suite of scientific instruments will be delivered to this region, hosted on a Commercial Lunar Payload Services lander and rover. LRO Camera images, like those featured here, will be critical for selecting a landing site.
Hopefully, in just a couple of years we will better understand this lunar mystery!
By Caroline Capone
Science Advisors: Sarah Valencia and Andrea Jones