NASA spots a giant patch of Moon-like rock on Earth

An astronaut aboard the International Space Station photographed a remarkable formation in Madagascar that looks surprisingly similar to the Moon’s bright highlands. Made of anorthosite, a rock abundant on the lunar surface, the formation dates back at least 600 million years and bears the scars of ancient continental collisions. NASA spots a giant patch of Moon-like rock on Earth.

At least 600 million years old, the formation contains the same type of rock found across the Moon’s bright highlands and preserves evidence of ancient geological forces. A bright, unusual patch of rock in southern Madagascar has a surprising connection to the Moon. Seen from space, the formation stands out against the surrounding dry landscape.

Although it may look unusual on Earth, the same type of rock is widespread across the lunar surface. The rock, called anorthosite, is an igneous material that makes up much of the Moon’s bright, reflective highlands. These light-colored regions are visible to the naked eye when looking at the Moon from Earth.