Moon may be ‘40m years older’ than previously thought, researchers say

Scientists shed new light on satellite's formation by studying lunar dust from Apollo 17 mission

It has shone down upon the dinosaurs, inspired the greatest poets, and been explored by intrepid astronauts. But despite its enduring presence, quite when the moon came into being has remained a matter of debate. Now researchers say they have the answer, revealing the Earth's satellite is 40m years older than previously thought.

Scientists made their discovery by studying crystals within lunar dust that was brought back in 1972 as part of the Apollo 17 mission - the last time astronauts set foot on the moon.