Did you know that during the time of the dinosaurs, there were active volcanoes on the moon?

Yes, you read that right. While it might sound like something out of science fiction, it's actually true! Scientists have discovered evidence suggesting that around 100 million years ago, the moon experienced volcanic activity. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the moon's history and highlights the dynamic nature of our closest celestial neighbour.

The evidence for lunar volcanoes comes from studying ancient rocks collected during the Apollo missions. By analyzing these rocks, researchers identified volcanic deposits known as "mare basalts." These basalts are formed from molten lava that erupted onto the moon's surface, similar to how lava flows from volcanoes here on Earth. The presence of these volcanic rocks indicates that the moon was once geologically active, with volcanic eruptions shaping its landscape.

So, how did these lunar volcanoes coincide with the dinosaurs? Well, during the Mesozoic Era, which lasted from about 252 to 66 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the Earth. It was during this time that the moon experienced volcanic activity. While the exact timing of these eruptions is still being studied, scientists believe they occurred roughly 100 million years ago, overlapping with the late Mesozoic Era.

The discovery of active volcanoes on the moon during the dinosaur era provides new insights into the geological history of our celestial companion. It suggests that the moon's volcanic activity was not limited to its early history but continued much later than previously thought. This finding underscores the importance of continued exploration and research to unravel the mysteries of the moon and its fascinating past.

So, the next time you gaze up at the moon, remember that it wasn't always the silent, cratered world we see today. Once upon a time, it was a place of fiery volcanic eruptions, sharing a dynamic history with our own planet.