What can sulfur in the Moon’s mantle teach scientists about the Moon’s formation and evolution? This is what a recent study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets hopes to address as a team of scientists investigated how sulfur compounds found within returned lunar samples differ from sulfur compounds found on Earth. This study has the potential to help scientists better understand the volcanic history of the Moon, which could shed light on the Moon’s formation and evolution.
For the study, the researchers analyzed samples returned to Earth by NASA’s Apollo 17 mission to the Taurus Littrow region on the lunar surface. Using a secondary ion mass spectroscopy as a first-time technique, the researchers analyzed the lunar samples for evidence of sulfur isotopes. Sulfur isotopes have long been hypothesized to be a source of evidence regarding the Moon’s origin, which is hypothesized to have formed from a large object colliding with the Earth. Therefore, specific substances would mix and remain on both the Earth and the Moon.
In the end, the researchers found the samples contained sulfur-33, which is a radioactive isotope that is not present on the Earth. This specific sulfur isotope could help scientists gain better understanding of the Moon’s early history.
Study lead author, Dr. James Dottin, preparing the secondary ion mass spectrometer for analyzing the lunar samples fo rthe study. (Credit: Dr. James Dottin)
Study authors, Dr. Brian Monteleone and Dr. James Dottin, examining data from the secondary ion mass spectroscopy experiments. (Credit: Dr. James Dottin)
“That would be evidence of ancient exchange of materials from the lunar surface to the mantle,” said Dr. James W. Dottin III, who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental & Planetary Sciences at Brown University and lead author of the study. “On Earth, we have plate tectonics that does that, but the Moon doesn’t have plate tectonics. So, this idea of some kind of exchange mechanism on the early Moon is exciting.”
One of the possibilities the researchers postulate is the sulfur within the large object that collided with the Earth to form the Moon was different from Earth’s sulfur content. However, the researchers quickly note that further studies are necessary for establishing a firm conclusion.
What new discoveries about lunar sulfur will researchers make in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!
As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!
Sources: Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, EurekAlert!
Featured Image: Rendition of the Moon's formation that is hypothesized to have occurred from a large object collidng with the Earth. (Credit: NASA)