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.
In Baku, Azerbaijan, the Worm Moon will rise on March 14, 2025, following a stunning total lunar eclipse visible from 11:26 a.m. to 12:31 p.m. AZT
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.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Kazakhstan’s foreign minister met with the EU’s special representative for Central Asia to discuss investment, trade, and regional cooperation. Both sides emphasized digitalization, climate policy, and infrastructure projects, reaffirming their commitment to deeper economic ties.
The upcoming Beatles biopic will be told through four films.
Val Kilmer, the renowned actor from *Top Gun*, *Batman Forever*, and *The Doors*, has died at 65 from pneumonia. Known for his intense roles and dedication to his craft, Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles surrounded by family.
Abu Dhabi will host International Jazz Day 2025, featuring a star-studded gala at Etihad Arena on April 30. Broadcast worldwide, the event will showcase top jazz, blues, and classical artists, including Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller.
Richard Chamberlain, renowned for his iconic roles in TV dramas and films, has passed away at 90. The Emmy-nominated actor, famed for his work in "Dr. Kildare" and "Shogun," left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
The International Skating Union (ISU) apologised on Thursday for displaying the flag of Taiwan rather than the Chinese Taipei emblem at the World Figure Skating Championships in Boston.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has cautioned that President Trump’s new tariffs will harm the economies of NATO allies, warning of broader consequences for both the U.S. and its transatlantic partners.
The first-ever Central Asia-European Union summit takes place in Samarkand, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Officials will discuss trade, investment, energy, and security, aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance political dialogue between the two regions, Kazinform reports.
UK set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as FIFA confirms sole bid. The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales & NI stands uncontested, marking a major milestone for women’s football. Final approval pending, but preparations for a historic event are underway.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Severe storms across the southern and Midwestern US have caused "generational" flooding and tornadoes, leaving over 400,000 without power. With up to 15 inches of rain expected and more tornadoes, officials warn of catastrophic damage and life-threatening conditions.
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