Moon rocks sent to Oxfordshire to unlock answers of the universe

Credit: NASA Goddard's Space Flight Center

Scientists in Oxfordshire are using moon rocks to try and unlock answers to the origins of the universe.

Samples collected from the original Apollo missions have been sent from NASA to the Diamond Light Source complex at Harwell.

Diamond Light Source complex at Harwell is as wide as Wembley Stadium

Inside the complex, particles are sent spinning around its curved interior at nearly the speed of light, and directed at the tiny moon rocks, to create images without damaging the rock itself.

The aim is to discover more about the formation of planets and predict volcanic eruptions.

Inside the Diamond Light Source Complex
Rock was brought back by astronauts 50 years ago

  • Watch Cary Johnston's report below

Interviewees:

Matthew Pankhurst, Geologist

Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke, Diamond Light Source

Ryan Zeigler, NASA, Apollo Sample Curator