Russian researchers discovered unusual linear crystals similar to metallic iron in the lunar soil collected by China's Chang'e-5 probe.In 2023, based on the close cooperation between the two countries in the field of space research, China and Russia exchanged precious lunar soil samples with each other. China provided samples that were collected from the moon by the Chang'e-5 probe and successfully brought back to Earth, while Russia shared samples collected by the Soviet Union's Luna 16 probe.
It is worth noting that the Chinese samples received by Russia include two: one from the lunar surface, and the other collected by drilling deep into the lunar soil.
These precious samples were sent to the Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences for preliminary research. Researchers removed a few milligrams from samples collected at depth for detailed mineralogical analysis.
When Russian researchers used an electron microscope to examine particles of Chang'e-5 lunar soil,Unexpectedly, unusually shaped crystals were discovered - thread-like crystals that resemble metallic iron, which is usually round.
Humanity's exploration of the moon has been deepening, and countries are trying to uncover the mystery of the moon by launching probes and collecting lunar soil samples.
Previously, Chinese scientists have made other major discoveries in the lunar samples brought back by Chang'e 5, such as the discovery of an unknown mineral crystal on the moon that is rich in water molecules and ammonium.