Carbon nanotubes discovered on the far side of the moon

24 January,2026 08:57 AM IST |  Beijing  |  Agencies

These structures were first synthesised in labs in the 1990s. The discovery showcases how future space missions might process local soil into advanced materials for deep-space exploration

The Chang’e-6 lander and ascender. PIC COURTESY/CNSA


Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

Researchers from Jilin University identified single-walled carbon nanotubes in soil samples brought back from the far side of the moon by China's 2024 Chang'e-6 mission. Until now, it was believed that these carbon nanotubes could only be made in high-tech laboratories and was impossible due to natural phenomena.

This is the first definitive evidence that nature can build these advanced nanostructures on its own. These structures were first synthesised in labs in the 1990s. The discovery showcases how future space missions might process local soil into advanced materials for deep-space exploration.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
china world news International news beijing news
Related Stories