Ancient asteroid impact reshaped moon's south pole

Reported by AI

A new study reveals that a massive asteroid struck the moon from the north about 4.3 billion years ago, forming the vast South Pole-Aitken basin and exposing deep interior materials. This glancing blow explains the basin's uneven terrain and the concentration of key elements on the moon's near side. The findings could aid NASA's Artemis missions in uncovering lunar history.

Study suggests moon's largest crater formed from northern impact

Reported by AI

A new analysis indicates that the moon's South Pole-Aitken basin, its oldest and largest crater, likely formed from an asteroid impact originating from the north rather than the south. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the moon's early history. The discovery could enhance the value of NASA's upcoming Artemis III mission to the basin's rim.

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