Chandrayaan-3’s latest findings highlight discovery of a 160-kilometre crater on the Moon | – Times of India

Chandrayaan-3, one of the milestones in India’s Moon mission, is back again in the spotlight for its latest findings. A new crater of 160 kilometres in diameter has been identified near the landing site of the mission according to the recent research in the Science Direct journal. The recently noted discoveries made by the Pragyan rover were noted by the scientists from Ahemdabad’s Physical Research Laboratory.
Continuing its exploration of the South Pole region, the Pragyan rover is investigating highland terrain approximately 350 kilometres from the Aitken basin, which is the Moon’s largest and oldest impact basin, as reported by India Today.

Chandrayaan-3 new crater discovery shares new insights into the Moon’s early evolution

The new crater’s dust and rock layers are significant for understanding the Moon’s early geological evolution. Researchers believe this crater predates the formation of the Aitken basin, making it one of the Moon’s oldest geological structures. In the journal dated September 20, it was stated, “We found a semi-circular, heavily degraded structure around the landing site, interpreted as a buried impact crater approximately 160 km in diameter, likely formed before the SPA basin.”
This area, rich in materials from previous impacts, is of great interest for future lunar exploration missions. The report highlights that the crater has been obscured by debris from later impacts and has degraded over time. The findings indicate that Chandrayaan-3 has landed in an ancient region containing some of the most deeply excavated materials on the Moon.
High-resolution images captured by the rover’s optical cameras have unveiled important details about this ancient crater, presenting a rare opportunity to study one of the Moon’s earliest geological formations. These insights could significantly enhance our understanding of the Moon’s geological history and current state.

Know more about the new crater discovery

The new site was identified using data collected by the Pragyan rover as it explored highland terrain approximately 350 kilometres from the Aitken basin, the Moon’s largest and oldest impact basin. The dust and rock from this new layer are essential for understanding the Moon’s early geological evolution.
This area is rich in materials accumulated from past impacts and has attracted interest for lunar exploration missions. The Aitken basin alone contributed nearly 1,400 metres of debris, with additional geological material supplied by smaller craters in the vicinity. Scientists believe the newly discovered crater, measuring 160 kilometres in diameter, predates the formation of the Aitken basin, making it one of the Moon’s oldest geological structures. Due to its age, the crater has been buried under debris from subsequent impacts and has degraded over time.
The rover has captured high-resolution images with its optical cameras, revealing important details about the structure of this ancient crater. Researchers believe this presents a unique scientific opportunity to study one of the Moon’s earliest geological formations, providing vital insights into its geological history.
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