The Far Side of the Moon: Unlocking the Secrets of Our Celestial Neighbor

Have you ever wondered what lies on the far side of the Moon? While the familiar face of our celestial neighbor is an awe-inspiring sight, its hidden side remains largely mysterious. In this article, we will delve into the enigmatic world of the far side of the Moon and explore the latest discoveries that shed light on its secrets.

Why is the Far Side of the Moon Different?

Unlike Earth, which experiences the same phases of the Moon every month, the far side of the Moon remains unseen from our perspective. This is due to a phenomenon known as tidal locking, where the Moon's rotation is synchronized with its orbit around the Earth. As a result, only one hemisphere of the Moon is visible to us, while the other side remains perpetually hidden.

The unique geological characteristics of the far side of the Moon have fascinated scientists for decades. In 1959, the Soviet spacecraft Luna 3 captured the first images of the Moon's hidden face, revealing a stark contrast to the familiar lunar landscape. Instead of the prominent large flat plains, known as maria, that dominate the visible side, the far side features rugged and heavily cratered terrain.

Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11's Third Man

by Stephen Dando-Collins (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	144421 KB
Print length	:	64 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Hidden Secrets

While the visible side of the Moon has been extensively explored by both manned and unmanned missions, the far side has received much less attention. However, recent breakthroughs in space exploration have allowed scientists to gain valuable insights into this mysterious region.

1. Lunar Impact Basin

One of the most notable features on the far side of the Moon is the South Pole-Aitken Basin, which is the largest known impact basin in the solar system. Stretching approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) in diameter, this basin offers researchers a window into the Moon's early history and its violent past. Studying the composition and structure of the basin provides crucial clues about the formation of our Moon and its place in the solar system.

2. Lunar Volcanism

Another intriguing aspect of the far side of the Moon is the presence of lunar volcanic activity. The Chang'e 4 mission, launched by China in 2019, landed in the Von Kármán crater within the South Pole-Aitken Basin. One of its findings was the discovery of materials that are likely volcanic in origin, providing evidence of past volcanic eruptions on the far side of the Moon. This revelation challenges previous assumptions about the Moon's geologic activity and offers new avenues for understanding the Moon's formation and evolution.

3. Radio Astronomy Opportunities

One significant advantage of exploring the far side of the Moon is its shielded location from terrestrial radio frequency interference. This makes it an ideal spot for conducting radio astronomy observations without the interference and noise experienced on Earth. The Chinese lunar probe, Chang'e 4, was equipped with a low-frequency spectrometer to explore this potential. By listening to the universe from the far side of the Moon, scientists can enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena, such as the early universe, quasars, and the cosmic microwave background radiation.

The Future of Far Side Exploration

As our curiosity about the far side of the Moon continues to grow, space agencies and organizations around the world are planning future missions to unlock its mysteries. The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with Russia, is set to launch the Luna-27 mission in 2025. This mission aims to land near the Moon's South Pole, where it will study the region's geology, perform sample collection, and assess the potential for future human exploration.

Additionally, NASA's Artemis program is working towards landing humans, including the first woman, on the lunar surface by 2024. These missions will not only advance our understanding of the Moon but also pave the way for future exploration and potentially pave the way for human colonization and resource utilization.

In

The far side of the Moon remains a captivating enigma, offering us a glimpse into the Moon's mysterious past and unlocking countless scientific discoveries. As our technology and understanding continue to advance, future missions and research will undoubtedly reveal even more secrets concealed on this hidden face of our celestial neighbor. The hidden side of the Moon beckons us with its mysteries, inviting us to explore and uncover the wonders that lie beyond the veil of darkness.

Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11's Third Man

by Stephen Dando-Collins (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	144421 KB
Print length	:	64 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

*Junior Library Guild Selection 2017*

A unanimous selection to the 2018 Maverick Graphic Novel List!

This graphic retelling of the Apollo 11 moon-landing mission follows astronaut Michael Collins, commander of the lunar orbiter, to the far side of the moon.

When the Earth disappears behind the moon, Collins loses contact with his fellow astronauts on the moon’s surface, with mission control at NASA, and with the entire human race, becoming more alone than any human being has ever been before. In total isolation for 21 hours, Collins awaits word that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin have managed to launch their moon lander successfully to return to the orbiter—a feat never accomplished before and rendered more problematic by the fuel burn of their difficult landing. In this singularly lonely and dramatic setting, Collins reviews the politics, science, and engineering that propelled the Apollo 11 mission across 239,000 miles of space to the moon.

Fountas & Pinnell Level U