A rare opportunity to see lunar soil in person captivated crowds in Bangkok as a lunar sample from China’s Chang’e-5 mission took center stage.
Enclosed in a rotating crystal sphere, the 75-milligram sample named “The Moon Shines Bright On Me” invited visitors on a microscopic journey to the moon’s surface, allowing them to marvel at the extraterrestrial material up close.
Experiencing the mysterious substance for the first time, elementary school student Tannya Neesanant was filled with excitement. “The lunar sample’s unusual color intrigued my curiosity, as it appeared to be sand rather than soil,” said the seven-year-old.
Under collaboration between the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the lunar sample was featured as one of the highlights at the Sci Power for Future Thailand Fair, which concluded on Sunday.
The exhibit displayed a portion of the samples collected by the Chang’e-5 lunar probe, one of the most complicated and challenging missions in China’s aerospace history. Launched in November 2020, the Chang’e-5 mission successfully retrieved lunar samples and returned them to Earth, marking China’s first sample-return mission and making it the third country to retrieve lunar samples after the United States and the Soviet Union.
The display not only sparked curiosity among the young visitors but also highlighted international cooperation in space exploration. Visitors had the chance to learn about China’s lunar exploration program and its significance in advancing scientific knowledge.
The collaboration between NARIT and CNSA reflects a growing interest in space science within Thailand and strengthens ties between the two countries in the field of astronomy and space exploration.
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Lunar sample from China's Chang'e-5 mission under spotlight in Bangkok
cgtn.com
