Explained: NASA research says the Moon is more metallic than thought before.What this means

News: NASA has found evidence of greater quantities of metals such as iron and titanium on the Moon’s subsurface.

Facts:

• The metallic distribution was observed by the Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) instrument aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter(LRO) spacecraft.
• Significance of the study: The observations could help in drawing a clearer connection between Earth and the Moon as it is believed that moon was created after Mars-sized protoplanet collided with Earth breaking off a piece of our planet that went on to become its satellite.

Additional Facts:

• Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission: Launched in 2009, it is a NASA robotic spacecraft currently orbiting the Moon.
• Aim: To make a 3D map of the moon’s surface from lunar polar orbit to help identify sites with high scientific value, favourable terrain and the environment necessary for safe future robotic and human lunar missions.