古老隕石揭示月球撞擊歷史
Ancient Meteorite Reveals Moon's Impact History
Updated at: June 18, 2026 at 08:00 AM
科學家最近發現了一個迷人的「時間膠囊」，這是一種名為 NWA 12593 的罕見月球隕石。
Scientists have recently uncovered a fascinating "time capsule" in the form of a rare lunar meteorite named NWA 12593.
這塊岩石在西北非被發現，它為我們提供了一扇獨特的窗口，得以一窺月球動盪的過去，特別是記錄了跨越數十億年的三次重大撞擊事件。
Discovered in northwest Africa, this rock provides a unique window into the Moon's tumultuous past, specifically recording three major impact events spanning billions of years.
其中最重要的發現可追溯至 35 億年前，當時的一次巨大碰撞產生了足夠的熱量，將月球表面融化成液態岩石，並留下了獨特的礦物痕跡。
The most significant finding dates back 3.5 billion years to a massive collision that generated enough heat to turn the lunar surface into liquid rock, leaving behind distinct mineral traces.
後來的撞擊使這些物質破碎並重塑成地質學家所謂的角礫岩，最後一次事件則將該岩石噴射到太空中，並最終送往地球。
Later impacts fractured and reshaped this material into what geologists call a breccia, before a final event launched the rock into space, eventually sending it to Earth.
這項發現之所以特別重要，是因為它與地球和灶神星在同一時期遭受小行星撞擊的證據相吻合，顯示出當時整個太陽系正經歷一段強烈的活動期。
This discovery is particularly important because it aligns with evidence of asteroid impacts on Earth and Vesta during the same timeframe, suggesting a period of intense activity across our solar system.
由於地球自身該時期的地質歷史已因侵蝕和板塊構造運動而消失，這些月球碎片顯得至關重要。
Because Earth's own geological history from that era has been erased by erosion and plate tectonics, these lunar fragments are vital.
它們幫助研究人員理解早期太陽系的狀況，為地球生命最初出現的環境提供了關鍵線索。
They help researchers understand the conditions of our early solar system, offering essential clues about the environment in which life first emerged on Earth.
