China discovers a new lunar crystal, Changesite-(Y), containing helium-3, a potential game-changer for clean nuclear fusion energy, intensifying the race to mine the moon.
Scientists have discovered a new lunar crystal, Changesite-(Y), which contains helium-3, a promising element for nuclear fusion.
This transparent crystal, named after the Chinese moon goddess Chang’e, was found in lunar basalt particles collected during China’s 2020 Chang’e 5 mission in Oceanus Procellarum.
China is now the third country, after the US and the former Soviet Union, to identify a new lunar mineral.
The crystal formed in a volcanically active region of the moon about 1.2 billion years ago. One of its key components, helium-3, is rare on Earth but abundant on the moon. This element is considered a potential stable fuel for nuclear fusion, a process that mimics the energy generation of stars but without the hazardous waste produced by nuclear fission.
Helium-3 could revolutionize energy production, with an estimated $3 billion value per ton. About 25 tons of helium-3 could power the US for a year. However, extracting and transporting large amounts from the moon presents significant logistical and financial challenges.
The discovery may intensify the race among countries and private companies to mine helium-3 on the moon. China’s upcoming Chang’e 6 mission, scheduled for 2024, aims to collect samples from the moon’s far side, potentially unlocking further insights into this valuable resource.
Firefly Aerospace has become the second U.S. company to achieve a soft moon landing with its debut Blue Ghost lander, marking a significant milestone in the private space sector.
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost spacecraft, launched on January 15, has captured breathtaking close-ups of the Moon’s surface. Currently on a 45-day mission, the spacecraft aims to collect critical data as part of NASA’s lunar exploration effort.
In a historic milestone for private space exploration, Japanese startup Dymon Co. has launched its ultra-compact moon rover, Yaoki, marking the world's first private lunar exploration mission.
NASA has launched its latest satellite, Lunar Trailblazer, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, on a mission to pinpoint water sources on the Moon - a critical resource for future lunar missions and potential long-term bases.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Watch AnewZ Live Coverage of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Oval Office at https://anewz.tv/tv-live
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his respect for the United States and its people in an interview with Fox News, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
A U.S. judge on Tuesday suggested he may dismiss the New York Times from Justin Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit, where the actor claims the newspaper colluded with Blake Lively to damage his reputation.
At the 97th Academy Awards, *Anora* emerged as the biggest winner, taking home the coveted Best Picture and Best Director awards. The star-studded event, hosted by Conan O'Brien, also celebrated outstanding performances, with Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison claiming Best Actor and Best Actress.
Kieran Culkin won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar on Sunday, earning his first Academy Award for his role as a fast-talking American tourist in A Real Pain.
Ariana Grande, Zoe Saldana, and Selena Gomez graced the Oscars red carpet on Sunday, as Hollywood prepared for its biggest night with no clear Best Picture frontrunner among “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” and “Conclave.”
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their Santa Fe home. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, with no signs of foul play confirmed yet.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
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