Scientists have simulated the ancient impact that formed the Moon's largest and oldest crater, the South Pole-Aitken basin. Their study shows that a low-angle collision with a large iron-cored body blasted deep lunar material, including mantle rocks, to the surface.
These exposed mantle rocks are found close to the planned Artemis mission landing areas on the Moon. This means astronauts may soon walk on rocks originating from the Moon's deep interior, allowing direct study of its mantle for the first time.
