Yutu II found a mysterious "hut" on the back of the moon and walked 80 meters away for three months! Why is it so slow?
However, on the moon 380,000 kilometers away, Chang 'e-4 lander and Yutu-2 lunar rover are exploring the back of the moon. They are the only detectors that have successfully landed on the back of the moon so far, and they are also the only detectors that still operate on the entire surface of the moon.
All along, we often hear all kinds of rumors about the back of the moon, including alien bases on the back of the moon, spaceships with aliens, and bombers missing from the US military at the end of World War II. There are also rumors that the interior of the moon is hollow and there is a huge city inhabited by aliens.
These rumors based on misinformation are constantly being interpreted and even published in regular publications, and it is difficult to distinguish between true and false. Now, however, Yutu II did find alien matter on the back of the moon, but it was not a product of civilization.
According to the paper recently published by the team of Chinese Academy of Sciences in the international professional academic journal Nature-Astronomy, the spectral detection and analysis of a 2-meter-sized fresh impact crater accidentally encountered by Yutu-2 lunar rover show that it is the first time to identify the carbonaceous chondrite impactor residue with an age of about1100,000 years on the lunar surface in situ.
Above: "Yutu II" made a detailed spectral detection of a small Qingxin impact crater on the patrol route.
The research shows that carbonaceous chondrites should be very abundant in lunar craters. On the moon covered with craters, carbonaceous chondrites are still the main source of water, only in the form of ice. But what is even more surprising is that Yutu II recently discovered a mysterious cube "hut" on the back of the moon.
Above: "Mysterious House" on the horizon.
Since the solar-powered Yutu-2 and Chang 'e-4 landers landed on the back of the moon for the first time on October 3, 20 19/kloc-0, Yutu-2 has been roaming in the 186 km wide Von Kaman crater. However, on the afternoon of 202 1, 10/0, I found an interesting thing during the 36th month of exploration of Yutu II.
On this day, Yutu II woke up from hibernation and finally reached the hibernation point after a difficult climb. Then the drivers breathed a sigh of relief and manipulated Yutu II to circle the surrounding skyline, which was the first time Yutu II looked up and looked around after landing.
Above: Contour map of current terrain.
Just as the drivers were immersed in the dark and deep sky and winding mountains, they couldn't help admiring the wonder of the universe. A strange object on the northern horizon immediately attracted their attention. In the very blurred image, this object pierced the winding skyline, like a strange cube, out of place with the surrounding background, like a "mysterious hut" that appeared out of thin air, which attracted them a surprise.
Scientists can't wait to enlarge the image, look at the "mysterious hut" in the distant sky, and begin to imagine: Could it be the home built after the forced landing of aliens? Or the pioneer spacecraft that explored the moon before? Then inform the driver: "This thing is so interesting! Let's go and find out! "
After measurement, the "mysterious cabin" is about 80 meters away from its current position. Although it is only 80 meters, it is actually estimated that it will take two to three months to reach the destination. Then why does Yutu II run so slowly?
First of all, after a difficult climb, Yutu II has reached the dormancy point, ending the 36th day of exploration. This is to avoid exposure to the sun for a long time, which leads to the equipment being too hot and must sleep. A day on the moon is about 28 days on the earth, and day and night are close to 14 days. Therefore, Yutu -2 will continue its adventure on the day of the 37th month after ten days.
Above: The lunar surface of the follow-up route of Yutu II.
In addition, the design speed of Yutu II is 200 meters per hour, which is equivalent to 5.6 cm/s, which is faster than ants. This is because the moon has low gravity and no atmosphere, which makes the moon dust on its surface easy to be thrown up, thus threatening the operation of equipment. For example, in the past, Yutu turned off because the moon dust entered the motor, and Yutu II could not walk too fast. But even at a speed of 200 meters per hour, two to three months is not 80 meters, right?
Above: Crossing the pit group
In fact, the actual moving speed of Yutu II is far less than the design speed, and it often takes an hour to walk to 10 meter. Moreover, the surface of the moon is pitted and covered with gravel, and the terrain is extremely unfriendly. In addition, only a slope of about 7 will make Yutu -2 face the risk of slipping, so be extra careful when driving and plan the action path in advance. So during the day every month, Yutu II can only walk about twenty or thirty meters. Since the landing of 20 19, the accumulated total mileage is less than 1 km.
However, it is worth noting that the design life of Yutu II is only three months, but it has been running well so far, and it has been driving slowly on the back of the moon for nearly three years. Therefore, although Yutu II walked slowly, it has been working hard and has sent back a lot of detection data to help us understand the mysterious back of the moon.
Next, we wait quietly. In a few months, perhaps in February 2022, we will know the true content of the mysterious cube "hut". Maybe you will find something magical! So relax, let's guess what a "cabin" is first!