Scientists are studying a core sample of lunar soil from Apollo 17 that has remained untouched and vacuum-sealed since its collection in 1972. This unprecedented analysis, part of the Apollo Next-Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program, is intended to leverage advanced, modern instruments unavailable during the original Apollo era to glean new insights into the Moon's history.
Key areas of focus for studying the pristine Apollo 17 lunar samples include:
Moon's Violent Origins and Formation: Analysis of a volcanic rock sample from the Moon's mantle revealed a ratio of sulfur isotopes (specifically, depleted sulfur-33) that is significantly different from what is found on Earth. This could support two major hypotheses:
The Moon is composed of more debris from the impactor planet, Theia, than previously thought, suggesting an origin with different chemical compositions.
The sulfur-33 depletion occurred after the Moon's formation through chemical reactions in a young, thin lunar atmosphere interacting with solar ultraviolet light.
Volatile Elements and Water: The vacuum-sealed container is expected to have preserved volatile elements like water and other gases, which are typically lost when exposed to the Earth's atmosphere. Studying these preserved volatiles can help characterize lunar reservoirs and the Moon's volatile cycle, which is crucial for planning future missions that may use these resources.
Geologic History and Landslides: The double drive tube sample collected by astronauts Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt penetrated a landslide deposit. Scientists are analyzing the rock layers (stratigraphy) to understand the timing, triggers, and dynamics of these events on the lunar surface.
Organic Compounds: Researchers are looking for small, volatile organic molecules (precursors to amino acids) to better understand their origin and distribution in the solar system, which relates to the prebiotic organic chemistry of the Moon.
Technique Refinement: The study serves as a critical test for refining analytical and sample-handling techniques for future lunar missions under the Artemis program, particularly for managing samples that are frozen or specially sealed.
The Apollo 17 sample, which includes material from just beneath the surface of the Taurus-Littrow valley, offers a uniquely preserved record of the Moon's subsurface environment and its violent geological past.