By 
August 7th, 2026
Image credit: CCTV/IGCAGS/Inside Outer Space screengrab
A Chinese research team has completed an updated geologic map of the entire Moon featuring a scale of 1:5 million.
China’s Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences (IGCAGS) detailed the geologic map on August 6.
Beyond its scientific data, the 2.8-by-1.2-meter map introduces a proprietary cartographic standard that identifies over 13,500 impact craters and 81 basins.
“This standard will be extended to future planetary geologic mapping, establishing an independent intellectual property framework for China’s deep space exploration,” said Yang Zhiming, director of the IGCAGS.
Rewriting geologic history of the Moon
Yang said the newly-released lunar map represents a significant scientific iteration from the 2024 version, adding that the map effectively rewrites the Moon’s geologic history based on the latest research findings.
“The lunar geologic history has indeed been rewritten — more precisely, refined and systematized,” said Yang.
Image taken by mini-rover of Change’-6 lander/ascender spacecraft on the far side of the Moon.
Image credit: CNSA
State-run Xinhua news agency reports that the new map “systematically updates the age boundaries of the Moon’s three ancient geologic periods, namely the Aitkenian, Nectarian and Imbrian periods, drawing on recent advances in international chronology.”
Return samples
Xinhua also adds that the Chang’e-5 returned to Earth samples confirmed volcanic activity on the Moon as recently as 2 billion years ago. Also highlighted were the findings from China’s Chang’e-6 return sample effort.
“The lunar samples and this map will provide a new starting point for scientific discussions regarding the lunar far side,” said Jin Ming, an associate researcher at the IGCAGS.
For a look at the map, go to this China Central Television (CCTV) video at:
Posted in Space News
