Ancient impact may explain moons contrasting sides
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jan 13, 2026
For decades scientists have puzzled over why the moons two hemispheres look so different despite sharing a common origin in the early solar system. The near side that always faces Earth is dominated by dark flat volcanic plains called maria that create the familiar man in the moon pattern seen with the naked eye. In contrast the far side has a much thicker crust and appears as a rugged hea
For decades scientists have puzzled over why the moons two hemispheres look so different despite sharing a common origin in the early solar system. The near side that always faces Earth is dominated by dark flat volcanic plains called maria that create the familiar man in the moon pattern seen with the naked eye. In contrast the far side has a much thicker crust and appears as a rugged hea