Recent research reveals that the Moon has a far older history than previously understood, with intense volcanic activity occurring a few hundred million years after its formation. This volcanic period reset the Moon’s geological clock, managing to melt and reform its entire crust multiple times. The Moon once orbits much closer to Earth, experiencing significant tidal forces that superheated its interior, sparking violent eruptions. This understanding, detailed in a study published in Nature by a team from various institutions, indicates that the Moon formed between 4.43 and 4.51 billion years ago, but its volcanic crust appears at least 80 million years younger.
Discrepancies in lunar rock ages stemmed from the survival of heat-resistant zircon crystals, which provide insights into the Moon’s earlier history, whereas most lunar samples suggest a younger age due to volcanic activity. The study also clarifies why the Moon, despite its age, has relatively few impact craters—volcanic activity likely resurfaced early impact basins. The new findings integrate previously conflicting data about lunar mantle composition and provide a coherent narrative of the Moon’s turbulent history, enhancing our understanding of its formation and geological evolution.
