In a groundbreaking move, China has loaned the UK its first lunar sample in nearly 50 years. This rare 60mg sample of Moon dust, collected during China’s Chang’e 5 mission in 2020, was delivered to Professor Mahesh Anand’s lab in Milton Keynes for analysis. It is the first lunar material to reach Earth since the Soviet Luna 24 mission in 1976.
A Precious Sample
The dust, stored in a high-security safe, is described by Professor Anand as “more precious than gold dust.” It will be studied using advanced techniques, including lasers and high-heat methods, to explore how the Moon formed and to uncover early Earth secrets. Professor Anand, the only UK scientist with access to this material, called the opportunity a “huge privilege.”
International Collaboration in Science
The UK now joins a select group of seven global researchers chosen to examine the lunar sample, marking a step forward in international scientific collaboration.
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Strict Precautions for Contamination-Free Research
Extreme precautions are being taken to avoid contaminating the sample. Lab technicians wear full protective gear, and even their shoes are cleaned with sticky mats before entering the high-security facility. Kay Knight, the lab technician tasked with handling the sample, emphasized the stakes involved in maintaining the sample’s integrity.
Cutting-Edge Analysis
The research will involve vaporizing the dust at 1,400°C to scan it for key elements like carbon, nitrogen, and noble gases. Tests will also determine its oxygen content using lasers. The team has one year to complete their research, although the process may destroy the tiny sample. Professor Anand hopes this marks the beginning of long-term collaboration between China and the international scientific community.
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