In a groundbreaking revelation, NASA has confirmed something truly extraordinary about the Moon’s South Pole—something that could have profound implications for both science and global power.

A massive impact crater, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, dating back over 4 billion years, has long been a geological wonder.

But now, new data suggests that beneath the Moon’s surface lies an untapped trove of materials—worth an unimaginable fortune—that could change the course of history.

From rare earth elements to thorium-rich deposits, the Moon may hold resources so valuable they could reshape geopolitical power dynamics on Earth.

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But what’s even more startling? These materials are not buried deep beneath the surface, requiring years of expensive mining operations to access.

Thanks to a catastrophic ancient impact, these resources have been exposed at the surface, ready for collection.

NASA’s Artemis 3 mission is set to land directly on top of this rich deposit, but the strategic implications of this discovery go far beyond scientific exploration.

In fact, some experts are warning that these resources could trigger a new race for lunar dominance—and potentially spark conflicts over the Moon’s resources.

The South Pole-Aitken Basin: A Geological Time Capsule

The South Pole-Aitken Basin, one of the Moon’s largest and deepest impact scars, formed during the early days of the Moon’s existence, around 4.25 billion years ago.

This ancient crater, located on the far side of the Moon, was created by an impact so powerful that it excavated material from the Moon’s lower crust and upper mantle.

Scientists have long known that this basin held key clues about the early history of the Moon, but recent research has revealed something far more significant: it’s a geological time capsule, containing materials that were never supposed to reach the surface.

Thorium-rich deposits, iron concentrations, and rare earth elements have been found within the ejecta, the material thrown up by the impact.

These materials have remained hidden for billions of years, but now, they are accessible without the need for deep mining.

The Artemis 3 mission, which is scheduled to land on the Moon in the coming years, will place astronauts directly on top of these ancient deposits.

The value of these resources is staggering, with some estimates suggesting that the total worth could exceed one quadrillion dollars.

NASA's target for its next manned moon mission in 2024 is the lunar South  pole – Firstpost

Thorium and Rare Earth Elements: The Moon’s Hidden Treasure

The materials uncovered in the South Pole-Aitken Basin are not just interesting geological specimens—they are resources that are currently in high demand on Earth.

Thorium, a radioactive element, is seen as a potential alternative to uranium for advanced nuclear energy generation.

It could revolutionize energy production, providing a safer, more efficient source of power for the future.

Rare earth elements, which are essential for modern electronics, renewable energy systems, and defense technologies, are also abundant in the deposits.

These elements are crucial for the production of everything from smartphones to electric vehicles to military equipment.

As Earth’s supply of rare earth elements becomes increasingly strained, the Moon’s troves of these materials could provide a much-needed solution.

But the true significance of this discovery goes beyond just energy or technology.

The concentration of such valuable resources on the Moon could drastically shift global power structures.

Nations that gain access to these materials could find themselves in a position of dominance in the 21st century, controlling resources that are critical to industries ranging from energy to electronics to national defense.

A rough idea of what the ancient lunar city of Tella ...

The Strategic Implications: A New Gold Rush on the Moon?

The discovery of these resources on the Moon is not just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a potential game-changer for geopolitics.

The value of these materials has led many to question whether the Moon will become the next major point of contention between the world’s superpowers.

As nations scramble to claim their share of lunar resources, the Moon could transform from a scientific curiosity into a critical strategic asset.

The presence of these materials in the South Pole-Aitken Basin is especially significant because of its location.

The basin lies in an area that is permanently shadowed, creating a unique environment for resource preservation.

The low temperatures in this region, coupled with the lack of sunlight, make it an ideal place for preserving volatile compounds like water ice and carbon dioxide.

This makes the South Pole-Aitken Basin not only a treasure trove of rare metals and minerals but also a key location for the establishment of permanent lunar bases.

The ability to extract and utilize these resources could kickstart a new era of lunar colonization and exploitation.

Water, for example, could be used for life support, drinking water, and even rocket propellant.

The potential for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon could make long-term space missions to Mars and beyond far more feasible, reducing the need for costly resupply missions from Earth.

This shift could completely change how humanity approaches deep space exploration, with the Moon becoming the launching point for future missions to the outer planets.

epic ancient building on moon | Stable Diffusion

Natural Radiation Shielding: A Ready-Made Lunar Habitat

But the discoveries don’t stop with precious metals and water.

New research from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and China’s Chang’e missions has uncovered massive subsurface voids beneath the South Pole-Aitken Basin.

These voids, which extend for hundreds of kilometers, are thought to be remnants of ancient impacts or massive stress fields caused by the Moon’s early history.

If these voids are accessible, they could provide an ideal location for human habitation on the Moon.

These subsurface areas would offer natural protection from the harmful radiation that bombards the lunar surface.

Solar radiation, as well as galactic cosmic rays, pose a significant threat to any surface habitat on the Moon.

Without a thick atmosphere or magnetic field like Earth’s, the Moon provides little protection against these radiation sources, making radiation shielding a critical concern for any long-term lunar settlement.

However, the subsurface voids could offer a natural solution.

These underground areas could provide the shielding necessary to protect future lunar colonists from harmful radiation.

Additionally, these voids would offer stable temperatures, reduced risk from micrometeorite impacts, and a more manageable environment for building permanent settlements.

The prospect of using these natural voids for habitation could significantly lower the cost and complexity of lunar colonization.

The Moon as a Key to Humanity’s Future

The implications of these discoveries on the Moon are enormous.

Not only could the Moon become a central hub for space exploration, but the materials found there could revolutionize life on Earth.

The potential for new energy sources, advanced technologies, and long-term space habitation could change the way we think about the future of humanity.

The Moon is no longer just a distant rock in the sky.

It is a valuable resource waiting to be tapped—and the race to claim it has already begun.

Countries like the United States, China, and Russia are already positioning themselves to lead the charge in lunar exploration and resource extraction.

As the Artemis program moves forward, the South Pole-Aitken Basin will be at the center of these efforts, with NASA and other space agencies racing to extract and utilize its valuable resources.

But the question remains: how will these resources be managed? Who will control the Moon’s bounty, and what will it mean for the future of global power?

As the Moon becomes a new frontier for exploration, one thing is clear—the stakes have never been higher.