China has sent its first space mission to the moon a rover called Yutu (which translates as "Jade Rabbit") is exploring a part of the Moon called the Mare Imbrium.
Initially I must admit to being sceptical about the scientific purpose of the mission, thinking that it may have just been a prestige project moving Chinese space science forward rather than to discover new ideas about the Moon's geology. However, the rover has landed at the eastern edge of its intended landing area and consequently has ended up in a geologically fascinating part of the moon. It has landed at the edge of an area of lava flows which (as they have few impact craters visible) are thought to be some of the youngest flows on the Moon. The geological kit on the rover should show something about the composition of these lavas. It will be interesting to see what Yutu discovers on its lunar travels.
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