Studying the moon is a worthwhile endeavor. (Photo credit: Pikabay.com)

By Rachel L., 6th Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation 

If you thought studying the moon is passé, you would be wrong. According to recent research from NASA, an anomaly on the moon’s surface suggests that metal from an asteroid is ingrained in the moon’s South Pole. The crater, five times the size of Hawaii, was created 4 billion years ago and is the largest crater scientists have found to date. Another possible explanation for the anomaly is that the area, rich with oxides, was created as the moon’s magma cooled and solidified. More research is needed to prove the origin of this anomaly as scientists continue to study the impact of areas beyond the Earth.  

The anomaly was discovered by NASA’s GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) mission launched in 2011. This mission used the data from two spacecraft which orbited the moon for a year to generate a high-resolution image of the moon’s gravitational field and structural consistency. Analysis of the data found a large metallic mass hundreds of miles below the lunar South Pole-Aitken basin.

In January 2019, the Chinese lunar lander Chang 4 touched down in the area. The lander and its rover have begun to explore the South Pole-Aitken basin. Using spectrometers, scientists are working to identify the chemical identity of soil materials.  

More than 50 years after the first lunar landing, we still have much to learn about this region of the moon. The crater is not visible from the Earth since it is on the dark side of the moon — the side that always faces away from Earth. Exploration would be difficult due to a lack of communication between Earth and vessels due to inadequate satellite relay. In addition, direct contact with the moon would not only be dangerous but quite unlikely.

“Even if scientists and astronauts found a way to prove this more directly, it would still be risky,” said Ezra R., a sixth-grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School . 

According to Alex Thaler, lower school KSDS science teacher, “It would be good to discover [the anomaly] by satellite, but we want to be careful where we dig.” The downside to a safer method is that it is harder to secure information about the anomaly. This issue may slow down the research.

Even with setbacks, like longer research time and potential risks, the anomaly can be investigated, and the benefits are significant. We would know more about the history of the moon and its formation, the threat and impact of asteroids, and the formation of planets.   

If the cause of the anomaly is discovered, more questions could arise concerning the moon’s history, the age of the metal, or the asteroid’s origin. “As scientists’ theory about water on Europa led to more questions, this anomaly will lead to more research,” said Thaler. Examining fragments from the moon’s surface could lead to clues about the history of the site of the anomaly.

Studying the moon is not passé because we can learn more about what surrounds the Earth. Even with the challenges of studying the anomaly, the information that can be gained has the potential of being significant and important to our future and our understanding of the past. 

You May Also Like
Jmore Juniors: Charm City Vs. Windy City
Chicago

Jmore Juniors Noah S. and Eli S. take a look at the differences between the Jewish communities of Baltimore and Chicago.

Jmore Juniors: A History of Starbucks and its Popularity
Starbucks

Madeline L., a seventh grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School, writes about the phenomenon that has been Starbucks over the past half-century.

Jmore Juniors Advice Column: Ask Micah B!
question mark

An eighth grade student at Krieger Schechter Day School, Jmore Juniors writer Micah B answers an array of questions from his peers.

Jmore Juniors: Are Electric Cars the Future of Driving?
Tesla parking lot

Jmore Junior Eitan Beck writes about the pros and cons of having electric cars in the future.