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Crystals brought back by Apollo 17 astronauts suggest the moon is 40 million years older than scientists thought, according to new research.

Lunar rock collected by Apollo 17 astronauts reveals satellite formed 40m years earlier than previously thought.

WASHINGTON — During the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 — the last time people walked on the moon — US astronauts Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan collected about 110.4 kg of soil and rock samples that were returned to Earth for further study. A half century later, crystals of the mineral zircon inside a coarse-grained igneous rock fragment collected by...

During the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 - the last time people walked on the moon - U.S. astronauts Harrison Schmitt and Eugene Cernan collected about 243 pounds (110.4 kg) of soil and rock samples that were returned to Earth for further study. A half century later, crystals of the mineral zircon inside a coarse-grained igneous rock fragment collected by Schmitt are giving scientists a deeper understanding about the moon's formation and the precise age of Earth's celestial partner. The moon is about 40 million years older than previously thought - forming more than 4.46 billion years ...

The intriguing site offered astronauts an opportunity to sample both old highland and young volcanic material.