Chinese scientists have identified iron oxide minerals in Chang’e-6 lunar samples, revealing unexpected oxidation processes on the Moon. ⁣ ⁣ The findings, announced by China National Space Administration (CNSA), Shandong University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, offer direct evidence that magnetic anomalies near the South Pole–Aitken Basin may be impact-related.⁣ ⁣ A research team analyzed 3,000 mg of the samples and found trivalent iron oxides—minerals once thought unlikely to form in the Moon’s reducing environment. Researchers believe these hematite formations likely arose from major impact events that also produced magnetic minerals such as maghemite and magnetite.⁣ ⁣ Photo taken by CNSA and released on June 4, 2024 shows a general view of craters on the surface of the moon captured by China's Chang’e-6 lunar probe.⁣ ⁣ #Change6 #LunarScience #MoonResearch #ChinaSpace #SpaceDiscovery #SciNews