Lunar samples from the Chang'e-6 mission could help explain differences between the near and far side of the moon. Li and his team studied 108 basalt fragments contained in two small samples of the lunar far side soil. Future Chang’e-6 sample researchThe Chang'e-6 probe's return capsule, which contained lunar samples from the moon's far side, is shown on June 25 after landing in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Xinhua/ShutterstockThese initial analyses of the lunar soil samples raise questions that will take more time and the study of additional samples to address, Neal said. The space agency declined to comment on the studies but said it is coordinating with US researchers who applied for access to Chang’e-5 lunar samples.

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Persons: NASA’s, Russia’s Luna, Clive Neal, China’s Chang’e, ” Neal, ”, Richard W, Carlson, ” Carlson, Qiu, Li, Neal, Bill Nelson, CNSA Organizations: CNN, NASA, Arizona State University, University of Notre Dame, Chang’e, Carnegie Institution, Planets Laboratory, State Key Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences ’, of Geology, Geophysics, Mongolia Autonomous, Xinhua, China National Space Administration, Apollo, FBI, ” NASA Locations: China, Washington , DC, Xinhua, Mongolia, Mongolia Autonomous Region