The Moon, as the Earth's only natural satellite, has long been the focus of scientists and philosophers. However, some recent scientific discoveries and theories seem to reveal a whole new image of the moon – a dead planet.
The Moon is the Earth's only natural satellite and the first stop for human exploration of space. Recently, Ouyang Ziyuan, the first chief scientist of China's lunar exploration program and the "father of Chang'e", participated in the "2024 NetEase Economists Annual Meeting", and he said at the event that the moon ran out of energy 2 billion years ago, leaving only a shell. But this does not mean that the Moon is not valuable to humans, on the contrary, it has abundant resources and great potential to provide humanity with opportunities for energy, science, and exploration.
The formation of the Moon dates back to about 4.5 billion years ago and is generally believed to have been formed by the collision of a planet the size of Mars with the primordial Earth. However, although the Moon may have possessed an active crust and mantle in the early stages of its formation, the Moon has now entered the so-called"Death"State.
The death of the Moon manifests itself in two main ways: physical death and biological death.
Physical Perspective:
Volcanic activity on the Moon ceased about 1 billion years ago, causing geological activity on the Moon's surface to largely disappear. This physical death leaves no new volcanic eruptions on the lunar surface and a lack of large-scale crustal movements to reshape the lunar surface. As a result, the topography and features of the lunar surface have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of millions of years. However, samples from Chang'e-5 show that the moon's mantle is at 19600 million years ago, there were still parts of it that were liquid and could erupt to the surface of the moon through fissures, forming some young volcanic rocks. This shows that the death of the Moon is a slow and lengthy process, not a one-time event.
Biological perspective:
The moon is also thought to be dead. The Moon is unable to support life forms due to the lack of basic conditions for the existence of life, such as an atmosphere, liquid water, and suitable temperatures. While we have found some signs of possible water on the surface of the Moon, it is mostly in the form of ice and is unevenly distributed. In addition, the extreme environment on the surface of the moon, such as vacuum and high radiation, also poses a great challenge to the existence of life.
Will the moon come back to life?
At present, there is no possibility of resurrection of the moon. Although we can get more information about the moon through scientific research, the moon has entered a state of "death", lacking geological activity and conditions for life to exist.
What is the value of the moon?
, scientific value
The Moon is the closest natural celestial body to the Earth and an important platform for studying the universe and the Earth. The geological structure, rock composition, and physical properties of the moon's surface contain a wealth of scientific information. Through the study of the Moon, we can gain a deeper understanding of the origin, evolution, and development of the Earth and the solar system. In addition, the surface of the Moon is not affected by the atmosphere and magnetic fields, making it an ideal place for astronomical observations and physical experiments.
, economic value
The Moon is rich in resources, including water, helium-3, rare earth elements, etc. These resources are scarce on Earth, but abundant on the Moon. For example, water on the surface of the moon can be used for human drinking, fuel and oxygen, etc., while helium-3 is a clean, efficient energy source that can be used in nuclear fusion reactors. In addition, the moon's rocks and minerals are also of high economic value and can be used in construction, making tools and alloys, among other things. Therefore, the exploitation of the Moon's resources can solve the problem of resource shortage on Earth and bring huge economic benefits to mankind.
, strategic value
The Moon is of great military and strategic significance. The Moon is a natural barrier to the Earth and can be used as a military base and observatory to monitor and defend the Earth. In addition, the moon has a small gravitational pull, which allows for low-gravity training and experiments, increasing the capability and efficiency of military operations. In terms of space exploration, the Moon is a springboard to deep space and can serve as a base and transit point for humans to explore other planets in the solar system. Therefore, mastering the strategic value of the moon is of great significance for its maintenance and development.
, cultural values
The Moon has a special meaning and cultural value for humans. It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and has aroused people's infinite reverie and desire to explore since ancient times. In literature, art, and mythology, the Moon plays an important role. For example, there are many legends and stories about the moon in ancient mythological stories, such as Chang'e running to the moon, Jade Rabbit pounding medicine, etc. In modern society, the moon also has important symbolic significance, such as lunar monuments and lunar samples.
Despite the fact that the Moon is dead, it still hosts many scientific mysteries. For example, the study of the origin, evolution and possibility of life on the moon still needs to be explored and discovered in depth. In addition, although the Moon cannot support life, an in-depth study of its surface properties and resources will also help us better understand the Earth's past and future.
Overall, the view that the moon is dead gives us a whole new perspective on the planet closest to us. Although it can no longer be brought to life, its existence still provides us with a wealth of scientific knowledge and endless possibilities for exploration.