Chinese scientists have completed a new 1:5,000,000-scale geological map of the entire moon, incorporating the latest findings from China's Chang'e lunar exploration program to provide improved scientific support for future lunar exploration and research.

According to the Institute of Geology under the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, which led the project, the main map measures approximately 2.8 meters in length and 1.2 meters in height. It also includes detailed geological maps of the moon's north and south polar regions.

The updated map identifies more than 13,000 impact craters and 81 impact basins, while classifying 14 types of geological structures and 17 rock types.

Based on the latest lunar exploration results, including data from the Chang'e missions, the new map features three major improvements while also enhancing both scientific accuracy and visual clarity.

The first improvement is a refinement of the moon's geological timescale. Drawing on the latest research, scientists revised the ages marking the beginning of major geological periods. The start of the Aitkenian period was adjusted to 4.33 billion years ago, the Nectarian period to 4.17 billion years ago and the Imbrian period to 3.92 billion years ago. The map also provides the first finer global subdivision of the moon's late-stage stratigraphy.

The second is an updated inventory of lunar materials. Using higher-resolution maps of key mineral distributions and revised rock classification standards, researchers identified a previously unrecognized rock type, gabbro-norite, in the South Pole-Aitken Basin based on the latest discoveries from the Chang'e-4 and Chang'e-6 missions. The finding provides a direct view of materials originating from the moon's deep interior.

The third innovation is a customized mapping standard developed specifically for the 1:5,000,000 scale. Researchers established differentiated minimum mapping units for different geological features, ensuring the map remains easy to interpret while preserving scientifically significant details.

Yang Zhiming, director of the Institute of Geology at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, said the updated geological map will provide important scientific support for the construction of China's future lunar research station, the selection of lunar landing sites and future deep-space exploration missions.

He added that the new map represents China's latest contribution to humanity's understanding of the evolution of the solar system.