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Japan’s robot explorer, “Moon Sniper,” made history as it successfully landed on the lunar surface, becoming the fifth country to do so. The mission, known as the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), faced unexpected challenges during descent, resulting in the vehicle landing with its solar panels facing the wrong direction. This has caused the lander to operate on limited battery power, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
The spacecraft, also referred to as Moon Sniper, landed near a crater called Shioli, which is approximately 200 miles (322 kilometers) south of the Sea of Tranquility. This region is where the Apollo 11 mission first landed humans on the moon.
Dr. Gordon Osinski, a professor of planetary geology at Western University in Ontario, expressed excitement about the landing site, highlighting the significance of craters in providing insights into the composition of planetary bodies. The choice of Shioli as the landing site is significant due to the presence of olivine, a mineral thought to originate from the moon’s mantle, which has never been directly sampled.
The crater’s lighter color, as observed in photographs taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, indicates potential pristine material before experiencing space weathering. This provides a unique opportunity to study fresh rock samples and gain a deeper understanding of the moon’s geological history.
The lander has captured low-resolution images of its surroundings and the mission team has assigned nicknames to some of the rocks in the pictures. More images will be taken if the lander regains power, showcasing the significance of the landing site.
The choice of Shioli as the landing site also serves as a test ground for the lander’s pinpoint accuracy, as it aimed for a small area spanning just 328 feet (100 meters) across for touchdown. This achievement demonstrates the potential for landing in more challenging or rugged terrain, expanding capabilities for future planetary landings.
The landing site is close to where Apollo 16 touched down in 1972 and the study of rock samples from these varied locations is crucial for interpreting the moon’s geological history. The Sea of Nectar, the largest lunar feature in the vicinity, is one of the oldest basins on the near side of the moon and offers valuable scientific insights.
This basin, along with the Sea of Tranquility, represents significant landing sites chosen for their smooth and flat characteristics. Despite being scientifically interesting, these areas provide safer landing conditions for missions.
Ancient astronomers referred to these basins as “seas” due to their darker hue, believing them to be filled with water. However, samples brought back from the moon revealed that they were massive lava plains, formed through fissure eruptions rather than volcanic activity.
Future lunar landings, including NASA’s Artemis mission, will target the moon’s south pole region. This region is not only geologically interesting but is also rich in volatiles such as water and frozen carbon dioxide, presenting potential resources for sustained lunar exploration and habitation.
