Microscopic magnetite formation caused by the impact was confirmed for the first time in the Chang’E-5 lunar soil

[ad_1]

Microscopic magnetite formation caused by the impact was confirmed for the first time in the Chang'E-5 lunar soil

Spherical iron sulfide particles containing magnetite in the Chang’E-5 lunar soil. Credit: IGCAS

A research team led by Professor Li Yang and Doctor Guo Zhuang of the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGCAS) conducted an in situ microelectronic analysis of spherical iron and sulfide grains in the finest lunar soil of Chang’E-5 and confirmed the presence of magnetite caused by the impact.

The study has been published in Nature Communications On November 23.

magnetite is essential in Planetology When addressing questions regarding ancient magnetic fields and indicators of life. traditionally, the moon considered very low. Thus, the oxidation state of the lunar surface indicates the formation of metallic iron and not iron oxides.

In the age of Apollo, some studies concluded that there was a semi-microscopic presence everywhere MagnetiteSimilar to the phases in the Apollo soils, but there was no more mineral evidence at the site for the presence of magnetite crystals scattered in the lunar soil.

In this study, spherical magnetite-bearing iron sulfide grains (

Integrating these observations with thermodynamic calculations, the researchers found that a gaseous melt-phase reaction occurred during high-impact events on the Moon, allowing Iron O dissolved in iron sulfides to produce magnetite and metallic iron through a eutectic reaction (4FeO = Fe3a4 + Fe).

This first detection of magnetite under an impact microscope provides direct evidence that native magnetite may be widely distributed in the best lunar soils.

Furthermore, lunar magnetic anomalies have been a mystery since the time of Apollo and their origin is still debated. Previous studies only demonstrated the relationship between high-impact projectiles and magnetic anomalies but did not focus on the transformation of materials during impact.

“Our study observed another important ferromagnetic mineral (magnetic oxide) formed from a eutectic reaction during impact processes on the Moon,” said Professor Li. “Due to the high magnetic susceptibility of magnetite and metallic iron, impact processes will significantly reduce the thickness requirements lunar soil of the lunar magnetic anomalies.”

Therefore, the impact-induced formation of magnetite in lunar samples also provides experimental validation and theoretical support for the interpretation of magnetic anomalies on the Moon.

more information:
Zhuang Guo et al, Submicroscopic magnetite and metallic iron particles formed by eutectic reaction in the Chang’E-5 lunar soil, Nature Communications (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35009-7

the quote: Impact-induced formation of microscopic magnetite confirmed for the first time in lunar soil Chang’E-5 (2022, December 5) Retrieved December 5, 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-12-impact-induced – information-microscopic-magnetite-change- .html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without written permission. The content is provided for informational purposes only.



[ad_2]

Source link

Related Posts

Precaliga