https://j.people.com.cn/n3/2026/0807/c95952-20486456.html

A Chinese research team from the CAS Institute of Geology has recently produced a geological map covering the entire lunar surface at a scale of 1:5,000,000. The main map measures approximately 280 cm in width and 120 cm in height and is accompanied by geological maps of the lunar polar regions. It accurately records over 13,000 impact craters and 81 impact basins, while distinguishing between 14 types of geological structures and 17 types of rock.

It is based on the latest lunar exploration findings, including those from the Chang’e program, and balances scientific rigor with visual clarity:

(1) Revision of the “Lunar Geologic Time Scale.” Based on the latest research, the lunar geologic time classification was precisely re-evaluated; the start of the Aitkenian period was revised to 4.33 billion years ago, the start of the Spondian period to 4.17 billion years ago, and the start of the Imbrian period was fine-tuned to 3.92 billion years ago. This marks the first time that lunar strata from later geological eras have been classified in such detail on a global scale.

(2) Updating the “Lunar Material Inventory.” The map incorporates higher-resolution distribution maps of major lunar minerals and optimizes rock classification criteria. Leveraging recent discoveries by the Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-6 probes, the team identified a rock type known as “gabbronorite” in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, enabling humanity to directly “see” materials from the lunar deep interior for the first time.

(3) Customization of a “specialized magnifying tool.” To meet the requirements for creating a map at a scale of 1:5,000,000, minimum display criteria were established for different feature types; this ensured overall map legibility while allowing for the comprehensive representation of scientifically significant geological features. (Editor: YF)