JAXA SLIM mission working on revealing secrets of Moon's origin

What secrets does the moon hold about its origin? JAXA's SLIM mission is looking to reveal all the secrets and mysteries of Earth's celestial companion.

Throughout history, the moon has captivated human imagination like no other object in the sky. And over the eons, various theories about its origin have emerged. Is it a fragment of Earth from a collision with another planet, or an independent celestial body drawn into Earth's gravitational field? The truth has remained hidden. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aims to shed light on these questions with its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission. (Pexels)

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1/6 Throughout history, the moon has captivated human imagination like no other object in the sky. And over the eons, various theories about its origin have emerged. Is it a fragment of Earth from a collision with another planet, or an independent celestial body drawn into Earth's gravitational field? The truth has remained hidden. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aims to shed light on these questions with its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission. (Pexels)

On January 22, JAXA made history as the fifth nation to achieve a precision landing on the lunar surface with SLIM. Despite a last-minute hiccup causing the lander to touch down and flip, the mission overcame challenges and successfully initiated scientific observations, AP reported.  (AP)

2/6 On January 22, JAXA made history as the fifth nation to achieve a precision landing on the lunar surface with SLIM. Despite a last-minute hiccup causing the lander to touch down and flip, the mission overcame challenges and successfully initiated scientific observations, AP reported.  (AP)

SLIM's Instrumentation: SLIM is equipped with a multi-band spectral camera, a key instrument in its scientific arsenal. This camera allows for in-depth study of the lunar surface's rock composition. The lander's primary objective is to unravel the mysteries surrounding the moon's origin through meticulous analysis of lunar rocks. (@ISAS_JAXA_EN)

3/6 SLIM's Instrumentation: SLIM is equipped with a multi-band spectral camera, a key instrument in its scientific arsenal. This camera allows for in-depth study of the lunar surface's rock composition. The lander's primary objective is to unravel the mysteries surrounding the moon's origin through meticulous analysis of lunar rocks. (@ISAS_JAXA_EN)

For the past four days, SLIM has diligently utilised its multi-band spectral camera to analyse the composition of lunar rocks. JAXA's Shinichiro Sakai emphasises the importance of comparing the mineral compositions of moon rocks with those of Earth. This comparative analysis may reveal common elements, providing crucial insights into the moon's origin. (@ISAS_JAXA_EN)

4/6 For the past four days, SLIM has diligently utilised its multi-band spectral camera to analyse the composition of lunar rocks. JAXA's Shinichiro Sakai emphasises the importance of comparing the mineral compositions of moon rocks with those of Earth. This comparative analysis may reveal common elements, providing crucial insights into the moon's origin. (@ISAS_JAXA_EN)

Hibernation Challenges: As of now, SLIM is in a 'hibernation' phase during the lunar night, which is expected to last until late February. Activation is contingent upon sunlight reaching the landing site. However, surviving the ultra-low temperatures during the lunar night poses a significant challenge for the lander. (JAXA)

5/6 Hibernation Challenges: As of now, SLIM is in a 'hibernation' phase during the lunar night, which is expected to last until late February. Activation is contingent upon sunlight reaching the landing site. However, surviving the ultra-low temperatures during the lunar night poses a significant challenge for the lander. (JAXA)

A Quest for Origin: JAXA remains optimistic about SLIM's potential discoveries. Sakai expresses hope that the rock analysis will unravel the moon's origin. The mission's success could contribute substantially to our understanding of the celestial body that has fascinated humanity for millennia. (Pixabay)

6/6 A Quest for Origin: JAXA remains optimistic about SLIM's potential discoveries. Sakai expresses hope that the rock analysis will unravel the moon's origin. The mission's success could contribute substantially to our understanding of the celestial body that has fascinated humanity for millennia. (Pixabay)