Two colossal canyons on the moon, both deeper than the Grand Canyon, were formed in under ten minutes by surges of high-speed rock debris, as per reports. These valleys, named Vallis Schrödinger and Vallis Planck, extend for 270 kilometres and 280 kilometres, respectively, with depths of up to 3.5 kilometres. Comparatively, the Grand Canyon reaches a maximum depth of approximately 1.9 kilometres. The canyons are located near the Schrödinger impact basin in the lunar south polar region, an area marked by towering mountains and deep craters.

Impact that shaped the lunar landscape

According to the study published in Nature Communications, these canyons are part of several valleys that formed from the debris ejected during the impact that created Schrödinger basin, a 320-kilometre-wide crater formed around 3.81 billion years ago. The basin is positioned on the outer edge of the South Pole–Aitken basin, the moon’s largest and oldest remaining impact structure, which dates back more than 4.2 billion years.

Unprecedented energy levels behind the canyons

As per findings, rocky debris from the impact travelled at speeds ranging between 3,420 and 4,600 kilometres per hour. In comparison, a bullet from a 9mm handgun reaches speeds of about 2,200 kilometres per hour. The force required to carve these canyons is estimated to have been over 130 times greater than the total energy stored in the current global nuclear arsenal.

Key insights for future lunar exploration

Speaking to Space.com, David Kring, a geologist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, highlighted that unlike the Grand Canyon, which was shaped by water over millions of years, these lunar canyons were formed in a matter of minutes by rock flows. The distribution of impact debris also suggests that astronauts landing near the South Pole–Aitken basin may find better access to some of the moon’s oldest geological samples. These insights contribute to ongoing research on potential landing sites for future lunar missions.

NASA is inviting U.S. companies to collaborate on the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER), a mission initially halted due to budget constraints. Designed to search for water ice near the lunar south pole, VIPER was originally planned as a $450 million project. The agency had cancelled the mission in July 2024, citing cost-saving measures. Now, a fresh call has been made to private firms willing to take on the challenge of delivering the rover to the Moon, conducting exploration, and sharing scientific data. A final decision is expected in the coming months.

VIPER’s Role in Lunar Exploration

According to NASA’s announcement, VIPER was designed to support Artemis program objectives by locating potential water ice deposits. These resources are crucial for future human missions and lunar surface operations. Initially set to launch aboard the Griffin lander by Astrobotic Technology, the mission was shelved before its deployment. Following interest from private firms, NASA has decided to explore new avenues for its deployment while ensuring that the scientific goals remain intact.

Proposals and Selection Process

NASA officials have confirmed that responses from interested companies must be submitted by February 20, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited to provide more detailed proposals, with final selections anticipated by mid-year. The agency has clarified that while VIPER will be handed over in its current state, modifications involving dismantling its instruments for use on other spacecraft will not be permitted. Companies will be required to manage landing operations, conduct scientific research, and ensure data dissemination as part of the agreement.

Potential Benefits for Private Firms

In a statement in an official press release by NASA, Joel Kearns, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stated that the partnership would provide significant opportunities for private firms looking to advance their lunar surface capabilities. He emphasised that VIPER’s deployment could mark a critical step toward commercial involvement in lunar exploration, reinforcing NASA’s commitment to fostering public-private collaborations.

Future of Lunar Resource Exploration

As NASA continues to push for sustainable lunar exploration, the integration of private-sector capabilities is seen as a key element in reducing costs and expanding mission possibilities. With lunar resource utilisation playing a major role in future space endeavours, the agency remains focused on ensuring that scientific objectives are met while advancing commercial lunar operations. The final selection of partners for VIPER is expected to set the stage for upcoming exploration missions and resource prospecting efforts on the Moon.

Tiny plastic particles have been found in human brain tissue, raising concerns over their impact on health. Scientists have detected a significant increase in microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the brain over the past decades. The particles, commonly present in air, water, and food, have now been identified within human tissue, challenging previous assumptions about the brain’s protective barriers. Researchers are working to understand the long-term consequences of this plastic infiltration.

Rising Plastic Levels in Brain Tissue

According to the study published in Nature Medicine, 91 brain samples collected from individuals who died between 1997 and 2024 were analysed. Reports indicate a 50 percent increase in MNP concentrations from 2016 to 2024, with median levels rising from 3,345 micrograms per gram to 4,917 micrograms per gram. Andrew West, a neuroscientist at Duke University, told Science News that the sheer quantity of plastic detected was unexpected, stating that he didn’t believe it until he saw all the data.

Unexpected Particle Shapes and Sources

Findings suggest that the plastic particles are not uniform. Many were thin, sharp fragments rather than the engineered beads often studied in labs. Richard Thompson, a microplastic pollution expert at the University of Plymouth, told Science News that these plastics originate from everyday products such as grocery bags and bottles. Polystyrene, frequently used in medical and food industries, was found in lower amounts compared to polyethylene.

Potential Links to Neurological Conditions

Higher MNP levels were found in the brains of 12 individuals diagnosed with dementia, but researchers have not confirmed a direct causal link. Some scientists speculate that neurological changes associated with dementia may increase plastic accumulation. Phoebe Stapleton, a toxicologist at Rutgers University, told Nature Medicine that further research is required to understand the biological impact, stating, that the next steps will be to understand what they are doing in the brain and how the body responds to them.