The Enormous Basin

The South Pole-Aitken basin stretches approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) from the Aitken Crater to the Moon's south pole, aptly named for its geographical features. If placed in the United States, it would extend from Washington, D.C., all the way to Waco, Texas.

About four billion years ago, a colossal impact created a crater on the Moon that penetrates over eight kilometers (five miles) into its surface, a depth four times that of the Grand Canyon. Regrettably, this immense crater remains hidden from observers on Earth, as it is located on the Moon's far side.

By analyzing data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission along with a lunar topographic map, researchers discovered signs of an enormous unidentified mass beneath the lunar surface. This unexplained structure is exerting pressure on the basin, reducing its depth by roughly 800 meters (half a mile).

Dr. Peter James, assistant professor of planetary geophysics at Baylor University. Image credit: Baylor University

“When we integrated that data with the lunar topography information from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, we identified a surprisingly large mass hundreds of miles beneath the South Pole-Aitken basin. One possible explanation for this additional mass is that remnants of the asteroid which formed this crater remain embedded in the Moon's mantle,” James explained.

This theory aligns with computer models indicating that significant parts of a nickel-iron asteroid's core may have been left behind in the lunar mantle following a powerful collision between the asteroid and the Moon.

A monochrome mosaic illustrating the Aitken Crater in relation to the south pole of the Moon. Image credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University

The Story of the South Pole-Aitken Basin

The South Pole-Aitken basin is about four billion years old, dating back to a time when life on Earth was just beginning. While more powerful impacts have shaped various planets and moons in our solar system, few structures have been preserved as well as this one. Studying this ancient impact could provide valuable insights into the early history of our solar system, particularly during its formative years.

“Lunar samples indicate that the majority of the Moon's major basins formed around 3.9 billion years ago during a period known as the late heavy bombardment. By this time, most of the larger debris in the solar system should have already coalesced into planets, making the simultaneous occurrence of so many significant impacts suggestive of unusual gravitational dynamics in the early solar system,” explains the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) team.

Investigating this region could provide evidence to support or dispute the theory of a massive influx of celestial bodies colliding with the inner solar system's planets long ago. Such an event would have likely played a crucial role in the early formation of Earth and its moon.

Another possibility for this new finding is that the large deposit in the lunar mantle may have originated from the solar system's early days. This unexplained mass might also indicate the presence of oxides formed from ancient seas of magma solidifying on the Moon, researchers speculate.

The first video titled "The Massive Chunk of Metal Hiding in the Moon" explores the implications of this significant discovery and what it might mean for our understanding of lunar geology.

The second video, "NASA Has Been Hiding From Us THESE Mysterious Tunnels on the Moon," delves into the potential implications of undisclosed lunar structures and their significance to future exploration.

Preparing for Lunar Exploration

Currently, NASA is set to return humans to the Moon by 2024, with plans for the next crewed mission to land near the Moon's south pole.

“…Moon-Watcher felt the first faint twinges of a new and potent emotion. It was a vague and diffuse sense of envy — of dissatisfaction with his life. He had no idea of its cause, still less of its cure; but discontent had come into his soul, and he had taken one small step toward humanity.”

? Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey

Nations and private companies are competing to be the next to land humans on the Moon's surface. NASA is preparing its Space Launch System (SLS), Orion spacecraft, and the Lunar Gateway as part of their long-term plan for human habitation on the Moon, aiming to eventually venture to Mars.

Recently, China has unveiled plans to construct habitats for travelers at the Moon's south pole using robotic 3D printing technology. Meanwhile, companies like SpaceX have outlined their own objectives for lunar and Martian exploration.

As humanity embarks on its journey into space, the Moon serves as a crucial stepping stone. Without dependable access to the lunar surface, the colonization of Mars and other parts of the Solar System remains unattainable.

The Moon still conceals many secrets for those curious enough to uncover them, but this research brings us a step closer to understanding our cosmic neighbor.