A Chinese probe and rover became the first man-made objects to reach what Pink Floyd established to be the “Dark Side of the Moon.” On January 3rd, the Chang’e 4 Probe landed near the Von Kármán crater in the South Pole-Aitken basin at approximately 2:30 am GMT.
While on its surface, a lander and rover will be studying the moon’s geology, as well as searching for ice. Additionally, the lander will observe the sky for radio waves and possibly be growing silkworms.
Prior to the probe’s landing, humans were able to take a glimpse at the far side of the moon’s surface back in 1959, when a Soviet satellite captured the first photos ever taken of the far side.
The event was deemed by many to be a historic achievement. Retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly tweeted that, “America’s space program has always set the example for the world. China’s moon landing is a scientific achievement no doubt. But it’s also a reminder that we need to get back to policy over politics—or the world might leave us behind.”
