News for the Week (1/4/2019)

China Lands a Probe on the Far Side of the Moon

China’s Chang’e 4 mission successfully landed a probe on the far side of the Moon on Thursday. The robotic lander will study the surface and subsurface and determine the composition of the South Pole – Aitken basin; a giant dent on the far side of the Moon of mysterious origin that happens to be the largest basin in the solar system. Landing on the far side of the Moon is a first for humanity as all previous missions have gone to the near side. (Link)

Image Credit: EPA/CNSA

The Hole in the Ozone Layer Should Heal Within Our Lifetimes

A recent UN report has determined that the hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica is healing up nicely and could be back to “pre-hole” conditions with 40 years. The ozone hole was created by the release of manmade chemicals into the atmosphere, especially chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). After scientists identified the problematic chemicals, policy makers took action and passed the Montreal Protocol, curtailing the use of ozone-depleting chemicals. (Link)

China Builds a Giant Air Purifier to Tackle Smog

An experimental tower was built in China and has demonstrated that it can improve air quality over an area of more than 3 square miles. The 328 foot tall tower is the world’s largest air purifier. Air is driven through the tower by heating it up with sunlight. It requires very little power to function. (Link)