SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

A Chinese lunar probe returns to Earth with the world’s first samples from the far side of the moon

Jun 26, 2024, 6:40 PM | Updated: 7:09 pm

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured an image of the Giordano Bruno crater on the moon's fa...

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured an image of the Giordano Bruno crater on the moon's far side, showcasing the height and sharpness of the rim as well as rolling hills along the crater floor. (NASA, Goddard/Arizona State University via CNN Newsource)

(NASA, Goddard/Arizona State University via CNN Newsource)

BEIJING (AP) — China’s Chang’e 6 probe returned to Earth on Tuesday with rock and soil samples from the little-explored far side of the moon in a global first.

The probe landed in northern China on Tuesday afternoon in the Inner Mongolian region.

Chinese scientists anticipate the returned samples will include 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rock and other material that scientists hope will answer questions about geographic differences on the moon’s two sides.

While past U.S. and Soviet missions have collected samples from the moon’s near side, the Chinese mission was the first that has collected samples from the far side.

The near side is what is seen from Earth, and the far side faces outer space. The far side is also known to have mountains and impact craters, contrasting with the relatively flat expanses visible on the near side.

The probe left earth on May 3, and its journey lasted 53 days. The probe has drilled into the core and scooped rocks from the surface.

The samples “are expected to answer one of the most fundamental scientific questions in lunar science research: what geologic activity is responsible for the differences between the two sides?” said Zongyu Yue, a geologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in a statement issued in the Innovation Monday, a journal published in partnership with the Chinese Academcy of Sciences.

China in recent years has launched multiple successful missions to the moon, collecting samples from the moon’s near side with the Chang’e 5 probe previously.

They are also hoping that the probe will return with material that bear traces of meteorite strikes from the moon’s past.

KSL 5 TV Live

Science & Technology

STARBASE Hill...

Debbie Worthen

STARBASE Hill program in Utah shuts down due to massive funding reduction

A Department of Defense youth program is the latest victim of budget cuts on Washington’s Capitol Hill, and thousands of Utah children will feel the impact.

11 hours ago

This May 18, 1969, photo provided by NASA shows Earth from 36,000 nautical miles away as photograph...

Marcia Dunn, Associated Press

Newly spotted asteroid has a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032

A newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of smacking Earth in 2032, space agency officials said Wednesday.

4 days ago

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 30: In this photo illustration, social media networking apps are di...

Daniel Woodruff

Utah Senate committee approves requiring app stores to verify users’ ages

Children and smartphones took center stage at the Utah Capitol Tuesday as a Senate committee voted unanimously to require app stores to verify the ages of users.

9 days ago

Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, second from left, and Bulletin of the Atomic Scienti...

Associated Press

‘Doomsday Clock’ moves closer to midnight amid threats

Earth is moving closer to destruction, a science-oriented advocacy group said Tuesday as it advanced its famous “Doomsday Clock” to 89 seconds till midnight, the closest it has ever been.

9 days ago

A surprisingly efficient and powerful Chinese AI model has taken the technology industry by storm. ...

David Goldman, CNN

What is DeepSeek, the Chinese AI startup that shook the tech world?

A surprisingly efficient and powerful Chinese AI model has taken the technology industry by storm. It’s called DeepSeek R1, and it’s rattling nerves on Wall Street.

10 days ago

The exterior of the Salt Lake City Public Library in Salt Lake City on July 27, 2021. Salt Lake Cit...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Salt Lake City eyes this location for the start of Green Loop project

A "linear park" that could circle downtown Salt Lake City within the next decade has taken another step toward reality.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

A Chinese lunar probe returns to Earth with the world’s first samples from the far side of the moon