Chinese scientists have, for the first time ever, sent back the X-ray images of a full moon shot from space using the Einstein Probe (EP) satellite on Tuesday, coinciding with the moon-themed traditional Mid-Autumn Festival.
The images were captured by the follow-up X-ray telescope FXT aboard the satellite, showcasing the moon's appearances in X-ray spectrum, which differ from its typical images.
The FXT telescope was developed under the leadership of the the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Compared to other X-ray satellites, the FXT telescope boasts a large imaging field, excellent X-ray energy resolution, and a high effective area.
It can reveal the distribution of elements such as oxygen, iron, magnesium, aluminum and silicon on the lunar surface, holding significant value for conducting lunar-related scientific research.
China sends back X-ray images of full Moon from space for first time
The China Earthquake Administration has initiated a Level-III emergency response on Monday after an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 jolted Gaoxian County, Yibin City, southwest China's Sichuan Province.
According to the China Earthquake Networks Center, the earthquake occurred at 00:12 Monday (Beijing Time). The epicenter was monitored at 28.50 degrees north latitude and 104.69 degrees east longitude, with a depth of 6 km.
Residents in Gaoxian County and neighboring Gongxian County reported strong tremors, with furniture visibly displaced indoors. Tremors were also felt in Yibin, and Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan.
No casualties have been reported so far, and local authorities are assessing the impact of the earthquake, said an official from Gaoxian County.
According to local fire and rescue authorities, the first group of 14 rescuers on board three vehicles has reached the epicenter at Shahe Town by 01:00. Local roads remained fully functional, and as of that time, no building collapses or trapped individuals had been found.
China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response.
China activates emergency response after 5.5-magnitude quake hits Sichuan
