Lunar rocks show far side is cooler than near side, revealing a thermal divide.

New analysis of lunar rocks from China’s Chang’e 6 mission reveals the Moon’s far side likely has a cooler interior than the near side, with samples forming at about 1,100°C—roughly 100°C cooler than similar near-side rocks. The temperature difference suggests fewer heat-producing elements like uranium and thorium on the far side, possibly due to ancient impacts or collisions. The findings, based on mineral and isotopic analysis, provide the first direct evidence of a thermal divide between the Moon’s hemispheres, highlighting long-standing asymmetry in its geology and evolution.