University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (10): 130-155.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202410073

• Survey of Chemistry • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Exploration of Rare Gases in the Solar System

Zengbo Ke1, Baoyue Cao1, Xiaojie Hou1, Youying Di1, Shengli Gao2   

  1. 1 Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Utilization of Tailings Resources, College of Chemical Engineering and Modern Materials, Shangluo University, Shangluo 726000, Shaanxi Province, China;
    2 College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwestern University, Xi'an 710127, China
  • Received:2024-10-21 Accepted:2024-12-09 Published:2025-09-17
  • Contact: Shengli Gao, Zengbo Ke E-mail:gaoshengli729@126.com;kezengbo2021@163.com

Abstract: Advances in chemical bonding theories, separation technologies, and applications involving rare gases have fundamentally altered our understanding of these elements, demonstrating that closed-shell rare gases with fully occupied outer electron layers are far from “inert.” A comprehensive investigation into the presence and distribution of rare gases in the universe significantly enhances our knowledge of cosmic evolution, planetary formation, and resource allocation. This review systematically compiles and summarizes the methodologies, analytical techniques, and key findings regarding rare gas exploration within the solar system, encompassing both the Sun and the eight planets. Particular emphasis is placed on the occurrence and distribution of rare gases on Earth and its Moon – celestial bodies essential to human existence. The paper aims to broaden public awareness of rare gases in our solar system while highlighting the groundbreaking contributions of Chinese lunar exploration programs. Notably, the successful missions of China’s Chang'e probe series have yielded invaluable data for lunar rare gas studies, showcasing the nation's technological advancements and scientific achievements in space exploration.

Key words: Rare gases, Solar system, Eight planets, Exploration