Shandong University, based in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, has contributed to the compilation of the world's first high-definition lunar geologic atlas, which was published on April 21.

This geologic atlas set, available in both Chinese and English, includes the Geologic Atlas of the Lunar Globe and the Map Quadrangles of the Geologic Atlas of the Moon. With a scale of 1:2.5 million, it provides basic map data for future lunar research and exploration.

A total of 12,341 impact craters, 81 impact basins, 17 types of lithologies and 14 types of structures all over the moon are mapped in the atlas. Human landing sites, special elevation points, and other unique elements are also displayed in the atlas.

"The lunar geological map is a tool for understanding the geological features and evolutionary history of the moon, and it is a landmark achievement that gathers scientific discoveries from international lunar exploration programs," said Chen Jian, a postdoctoral researcher at Shandong University.

Thanks to the high-precision scientific exploration data from China's Chang'e mission, this atlas achieves a precision approximately twice that of previous lunar global geological maps.

"In 2021, Shandong University was granted 1 200 milligrams of lunar soil samples from the Chang'e 5 mission and is currently conducting related research," Chen said.

The high-precision lunar geological atlas marks a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts, showcasing the country's commitment to advancing planetary science and contributing to the broader understanding of the moon's geological composition and history.

Chinese versions of the Geologic Atlas of the Lunar Globe (left) and the Map Quadrangles of the Geologic Atlas of the Moon. [Photo/Chinese Academy of Sciences] 

The Lithologic Map of the Moon. [Photo/Chinese Academy of Sciences]