New Lunar Crystals Confirm Moon's Age: 40 Million Years Older Than Believed

Analysis of zircon nanocrystals collected during the Apollo 17 mission suggests that the Moon is approximately 40 million years older than previously estimated, with an age of 4.46 billion years. These crystals serve as an anchor for the lunar chronology and were formed after the Moon's molten surface cooled. By using atom probe tomography and radiometric dating, scientists were able to measure the composition and age of the crystals, providing insights into the Moon's formation.