A new study has proven that the moon is millions of years older than we thought!
The senior author of the study, Professor Phillip Heck, according to Sky News, stated that the rock held in his hand was 'the oldest bit of the moon we've found so far.'
The moon is 40 million years older than previously believe according to this new study. crystals taken from the moon in the 60s and 70s were analysed to pin down the date of the moon's formation.
The dust used in the study was taken by the team from Apollo 17's final manned mission in 1972. These samples contain zircon crystals which were formed millions of years ago. Rebelieve that this was the key to finding out when the moon was formed.
It is believed that the moon was formed when a galactic body, about the same size as Mars, struck Earth. The energy of this would have been what caused the melting of the rock now found on the moon's surface.
The zircon, which is one of the oldest solids, indicates that the moon is about 4.46 billion years old! This means that the moon is MILLIONS of years older than we thought!
Ireland will get a glimpse at one of the moon's most spectacular shows of the year next Saturday. Keep your eyes peeled for the lunar eclipse!
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