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.

“It’s amazing being able to have proof that the rock you’re holding is the oldest bit of the moon we’ve found so far. It’s an anchor point for so many questions about the Earth. When you know how old something is, you can better understand what has happened to it in its history,” said Dr Jennika Greer of the University of Glasgow, the study’s lead author.