China has released the world’s first complete high-definition Geologic atlases of the Moon on Sunday.

These atlases, which are available in both Chinese and English, mark a significant milestone in lunar exploration and scientific research.

The set includes the Geologic Atlas of the Lunar Globe and the Map Quadrangles of the Geologic Atlas of the Moon, as reported by the Institute of Geochemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

The release of these atlases, reported by Xinhua, is not just a technological achievement but also a crucial tool for future lunar research and exploration.

According to Ouyang Ziyuan, a CAS academician and renowned lunar scientist, “The geologic atlas of the moon is of great significance for studying the evolution of the moon, selecting the site for a future lunar research station, and utilising lunar resources.”

He further emphasised that this could enhance our understanding of Earth and other celestial bodies within our solar system, including Mars.

Liu Jianzhong, a senior researcher at the Institute of Geochemistry, highlighted the progress in lunar exploration over recent decades, which has significantly enhanced our understanding of the moon. He pointed out that the lunar geologic maps used since the Apollo missions have remained unchanged for nearly fifty years and are now outdated for current scientific needs.

“With the improvements in lunar geologic studies, those old maps can no longer meet the needs of future scientific research and lunar exploration,” Liu explained.

The new atlases, scaled at 1:2.5 million, provide detailed and updated map data essential for future lunar missions and research. This initiative not only fills a gap in lunar geology mapping but also sets a new standard for international lunar science efforts.

As lunar exploration continues to advance, these atlases will serve as a fundamental resource for scientists worldwide, aiding in more precise and effective lunar studies and explorations.