Lunar samples collected through China's Chang'e-5 mission have helped researchers to better understand lunar volcanic activities and the thermal evolution of the moon.

The researchers from the key laboratory of solar activity and space weather under the National Space Science Center, Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Peking University and Shandong University Weihai Campus, have studied the lunar samples and estimated the thickness of basalt, a type of rock formed during volcanic eruptions, near Oceanus Procellarum, the landing site of the Chang'e-5 mission.

The research results show that at least four volcanic eruptions had occurred to Oceanus Procellarum, forming basaltic lava with median thickness of 230, 70, 4 and 36 meters, respectively.