USGS Releases Unprecedented Geologic Map of the Moon

For centuries, humans have gazed at the Moon with fascination. Its craters, basins, and starkly contrasting highlands and lowlands have ignited our imagination. Now, thanks to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), we have a map that unlocks the Moon’s geologic history like never before.

Mapping a Celestial Neighbor

The new “Unified Geologic Map of the Moon” is a groundbreaking achievement. It merges six regional maps created during the Apollo missions with contemporary data from satellite observations. The result is a single, exceptionally detailed view of the Moon’s geology at a 1:5,000,000 scale.

Why This Map Matters

The importance of this map extends far beyond curiosity:

• Blueprint for Exploration: Understanding the Moon’s geology is crucial for planning future missions, including NASA’s Artemis program with its ambitious goal of landing humans back on the lunar surface. The map will help scientists identify safe landing sites, potential resource locations such as water ice, and areas of scientific interest.
• Decoding Lunar History: The map tells a 4.5-billion-year story. Different colors and patterns on the map represent various rock types and ages. By analyzing this map, scientists can better understand how the Moon formed, evolved, and was bombarded by impacts over time.
• Global Collaboration: This colossal project demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in space exploration. The USGS collaborated with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute to create this landmark scientific tool.

Key Features of the Map

• Incredible Detail: The map unveils the Moon’s complex geology in exquisite detail, showcasing the variety of craters, plains, mountains, and other landforms.
• Consistent Classification: The use of a unified mapping system ensures accuracy and consistency, allowing for smooth comparisons across different regions.
• Essential for Researchers: The map is not just beautiful, it is a scientific treasure trove. Researchers will use this map to study the Moon’s volcanic processes, impact history, and how it compares to other planets and moons in our solar system.

Accessing the Map

The “Unified Geologic Map of the Moon” is a gift to the scientific community and the public alike. It’s available digitally through the USGS website. A full size version is also available below.

The Future of Lunar Exploration

The USGS Unified Geologic Map of the Moon represents a giant leap in our understanding of our nearest celestial neighbor. It empowers scientists, inspires enthusiasts, and paves the way for the next era of lunar exploration.