Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in lunar samples collected by the Chang'e-6 mission, identifying iron oxide minerals that reveal unexpected oxidation processes on the Moon's surface. The findings, announced on Sunday by the China National Space Administration, Shandong University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, provide direct evidence supporting an impact-related origin for magnetic anomalies around the South Pole–Aitken Basin. A joint research team analyzed 3,000 milligrams of lunar samples obtained from the space agency. Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks both a protective atmosphere and significant water, creating a reducing environment where highly oxidized minerals were long considered unlikely to form, akin to iron that never rusts. The discovery of trivalent iron oxides indicates strong oxidation processes occurred on the lunar surface. Researchers suggest these hematite formations may be linked to major impact events in lunar history. Intermediate magnetic minerals like maghemite and magnetite generated during impacts could represent mineral carriers responsible for magnetic anomalies along the South Pole–Aitken Basin's rim. Published in the interdisciplinary journal Science Advances, the research provides crucial scientific support for future lunar studies and enhances understanding of the Moon's evolutionary history. Shotlist: Weihai City, Shandong Province, east China - Recent: 1. Various of researcher analyzing images of lunar soil sample on computer; 2. Various of lunar soil sample in container, on plate; 3. Various of researchers discussing during meeting; 4. Microscopic image of lunar sample; 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Ling Zongcheng, deputy director, School of Space Science and Technology, Shandong University (ending with shot 6): "We first identified clues of hematite within thousands of lunar soil spectral data sets, and then used methods such as electron microscope micro-area analysis to determine the crystal structure and types of the minerals. Ultimately, we discovered, for the first time, both hematite and maghemite in the Chang'e-6 lunar soil samples. This represents a major scientific breakthrough in the study of lunar oxidation."; 6. Screenshots of images, graphics in research paper on new findings of Chang'e-6 lunar sample; FILE: China - Exact Location and Date Unknown 7. Animations showing moon surface; Weihai City, Shandong Province, east China - Recent 8. Illustrations of research findings, landing site of Chang'e-6 lunar probe on moon; 9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Ling Zongcheng, deputy director, School of Space Science and Technology, Shandong University (ending with shot 10): "This discovery is highly significant; one could say it opens a new chapter in humanity's understanding of lunar oxidation processes. Previously, the Moon was generally considered to be a reducing environment, and oxidation processes were often overlooked. Through our research, we anticipate that more new findings focusing on lunar oxidation will emerge in the future."; 10. Various of researchers discussing over images, graphics on computer, using microscope; 11. Various of computer screen showing published research paper. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]