The most detailed map of moon geology ever published can help astronauts explore the lunar surface.

• The US Geological Survey. USA (USGS) just released the most detailed map of all Moonsurface characteristics and geology like a rotating 3D moon.
• The map shows brightly colored dots on the lunar surface, representing different ages of geological features.
• The map unifies six separate maps of the moon topography to get the most accurate and deep view of the moon.
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We only see one side of the moon, and most nights we only see parts of it.

But this week, scientists released one of the most detailed moon maps ever created.

The new map, born from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), combines six other static geological maps of different sides of the moon. A video version even allows you to see all the data like an animated balloon:

The brightly colored dots on the moon’s surface are different characteristics of the lunar surface. Each type of unique feature: crater rim ridges, buried crater rim ridges, fissures, grabens, scarps, mare wrinkle ridges, faults, channels, rilles, and guidelines is labeled with its official name.

The colors represent the approximate age and the type of characteristics:

• Copernican (yellow) – 1.1 billion years ago to the present
• Eratosthenian (vegetables) – 3.16 billion to 1.1 billion years ago
• Imbrian (purple, bluesand roses) – 3.85 billion to 3.16 billion years ago
• Nectar (oranges and Tans) – 3.92 billion to 3.85 billion years ago
• prenectarian (browns) – 4.5 billion years ago (around when the moon formed) to 3.9.2 billion years ago

The new animation and high level of detail are important for two reasons: They can help astronauts figure out the best way to land, maneuver, and explore the moon during missions, and they can help geologists learn more about ancient history. of the moon.

Below is an enlarged part of the moon. It represents the southwest corner of the lunar lava plain known as the “Sea of ​​Tranquility,” where Apollo 11, the first moon landing, took place with Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong in July 1969.

Studying the moon’s surface to land there

This map is a 1: 5,000,000 scale. Topographic measurements were taken by the US lunar orbit laser altimeter. USA (LOLA) and Japan’s SELENE Kaguya terrain camera stereo. These new measurements were used to unify and improve six different geological maps of all the different sides of the moon as of 2013.

Two-dimensional static geological maps may appear to distort the actual characteristics of the spherical moon.

Having a more accurate view of the moon’s topography gives astronomers a better understanding of its origins. Because the moon does not have winds, rivers, or plate tectonics (weathering that can alter or even erase ancient activity), many of the geological features shown went deep in the lunar past.

Understanding the moon’s surface allows geologists to learn more about the early history of our Solar system. The chemical composition of these rocks and craters also helps scientists see what Earth’s early chemical composition was, helping to understand how life was first formed.

The USGS has also been mapping other planets in our solar system. The agency has released maps of at least parts of each rocky planet and several smaller rocky or icy bodies, including Europe, where NASA hopes to look for signs of extraterrestrial life.

High-quality moon maps also allow safe lunar landings. In turn, astronauts can collect precious samples of moon rocks and expand our knowledge of Earth’s closest celestial companion.

NASA is planning a great return to the moon with a plan called Artemis. Although the goal is to land the first woman and the next man on the surface in 2024, delays with an upcoming rocket system and a limited budget threaten to delay and limit its ambitious goals.

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