China unveils updated lunar geological map

Chinese scientists at the Institute of Geology, China — Chinese Academy of Sciences, have completed an updated 1:5,000,000-scale geological map of the entire Moon. The map, measuring about 280 cm by 120 cm, identifies over 13,000 impact craters and 81 impact basins, and classifies 14 geological structure types and 17 rock types. It incorporates the latest findings from the Chang'e lunar exploration program, including data from Chang'e-4, Chang'e-5, and Chang'e-6 missions. Key updates include a refined lunar geological timescale, with revised start dates for the Aitkenian (4.33 billion years ago), Nectarian (4.17 billion years ago), and Imbrian (3.92 billion years ago) periods, and the first global subdivision of the Moon's late-stage stratigraphy. The map also identifies a previously unrecognized rock type, gabbronorite, in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, providing direct evidence of materials from the Moon's deep interior. Additionally, it reveals that KREEP rocks, enriched in rare earth elements, are more abundant in Oceanus Procellarum than previously estimated. The map introduces a proprietary cartographic standard that will be applied to future planetary mapping, including Mars, supporting China's deep-space exploration ambitions. The map is expected to support the construction of China's future lunar research station, landing site selection, and deep-space missions such as Tianwen-3.