Astronaut photographs ancient lunar like rock formation in southern Madagascar

An astronaut aboard the International Space Station photographed an unusually bright geological formation in southern Madagascar that resembles the highlands of the Moon. ScienceDaily Earth Science and Science Daily both report that the feature is composed of anorthosite, a calcium rich igneous rock abundant on the lunar surface. [1][2]

According to ScienceDaily Earth Science, the exposed anorthosite formation dates back at least 600 million years. It sits among heavily deformed surrounding rocks and contains physical traces from ancient continental collisions. Geological surveys rely on these visible surface characteristics to analyze how tectonic forces reshaped early continental crust. [1]

Anorthosite makes up large portions of the lunar crust, which humans first explored directly during NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Commander Neil Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin Buzz Aldrin, and Command Module Pilot Michael Collins completed that first crewed lunar landing. [1][3]

Observing earthbound anorthosite formations from orbit allows researchers to study similar geological structures without the logistical constraints of planetary missions. ScienceDaily Earth Science reports that the prominent contrast of the Madagascar site makes it a key target for orbital imaging. [1]