Chinese lunar lander unearths brand new moon rock

China’s lunar rover, Yutu (Jade Rabbit), has discovered a previously unknown type of moon rock.

The moon. Image by Thomas Bresson / CC BY 2.0

The rock, which exhibited unique mineral components, was uncovered in an ancient lava flow. It is hoped the rock will shed new light on the make-up and history of the moon. The discovery also represents the first time a non-US, Soviet and European space mission has uncovered a new finding on the moon. China launched its unmanned Chang’e 3 probe in December 2013 and the Yutu rover’s soft-landing on the moon’s surface was the first since 1976. Read more: theguardian.com