This combo photo shows cross-polarized micrographs of different lunar soil particles displayed at an exhibition themed on lunar soil research achievements in University of Science and Technology of China, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province on April 19, 2023. (Xinhua)
BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese experts have discovered and conducted systematic research on diverse glass materials found in the lunar soil brought back by the Chang'e-5 mission, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Physics.
Researchers at the institute comprehensively analyzed the morphology, composition and microstructure of glass substances found in powder samples obtained from the lunar regolith using scanning and transmission electron microscopes.
They discovered diverse glass materials with different physical origins -- liquid quenching, vapor deposition and irradiation damage -- and constructed a catalogue based on that information.
The researchers also found naturally formed glass fibers on the lunar surface for the first time, indicating there is a possibility that the lunar soil can be used to process and produce glass-building materials.
The study has been published in the National Science Review journal.
The Chang'e-5 probe returned to Earth on Dec. 17, 2020, having retrieved a total of 1,731 grams of lunar samples, mainly rocks and soil from the moon's surface.
Adams, Reyna, Turner, Ream are US concerns ahead of Copa America
Steady on Joe! Biden, 81, catches himself after tripping on a step again
7 postal workers charged with mail theft from Rhode Island distribution hub
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Navarro, Steffen propel Rapids to 1
Cameron Harper and Lewis Morgan score five minutes apart to help the Red Bulls beat DC United 4
Charles Bronson is 'living on his nerves' after being attacked in jail by convicted murderer, ex
Yvette Fielding says her Most Haunted co
Kervin Arriaga scores for the second straight game and Minnesota United ties the LA Galaxy 2
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Interior Dept staffer becomes first Jewish Biden appointee to publicly resign over war in Gaza