Impact-processed nitrogen-bearing organics in Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 lunar regolith.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41950331.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/sciadv.aed4951 and PMC identifier 13060606.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC.
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Abstract
The Moon has preserved a unique record of organic matter delivered and reworked by asteroid and comet impacts. Here, we report diverse organic phases (particle-like, adhering-like, and inclusion-like) on the surfaces of lunar regolith grains returned by the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions. They are predominantly amorphous carbon-like, containing N- and O-bearing functionalities and amide (─CONH─) linkages. The lunar organics show δD, δ<sup>13</sup>C, and δ<sup>15</sup>N values more negative than those of insoluble organic matter reported in carbonaceous chondrites and asteroids, consistent with impact-induced evaporation-condensation and surface reworking. The presence of solar wind implantation signatures in the organics supports long-term exposure on the lunar surface. Together, these findings suggest that the impacts both delivered and chemically processed organic matter on the lunar surface, generating N- and O-bearing functionalities.