Summary of Key Points
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has confirmed, through the moon soil brought back by the Chang'e-6 mission, that Earth's magnetic field acts like a "regulator" to control the intensity and depth of the solar wind reaching the Moon. This is a rigorous astronomical finding, yet netizens have creatively linked it to the legend of "Buzhou Mountain" from the ancient text *The Classic of Mountains and Seas*, suggesting that Buzhou Mountain was a "space elevator" connecting Earth and the Moon. The theory posits that the destruction of this bridge by the mythical figure Gonggong led to the separation of the two celestial bodies and the tilt of Earth. Behind this widespread discussion lies not only the enduring appeal of *The Classic of Mountains and Seas* as a traditional cultural asset but also the fascinating intersection between scientific discoveries and imaginative interpretations.
I. The Scientific Findings: Earth's Magnetic Field as a Sun Wind Regulator for the Moon
What exactly did the Chinese Academy of Sciences discover? In simple terms, Earth is surrounded by an invisible "shield" called the magnetic field, which acts like a valve, controlling the amount and intensity of the charged particles (solar wind) that reach the Moon. Scientists had only speculated about this relationship, but now, with moon soil samples collected from the far side of the Moon (where there is no interference from Earth's magnetic field), it has been scientifically proven that Earth's magnetic field indeed influences the solar wind activity on the lunar surface.
Why is this important? This discovery helps us better understand the interaction between Earth and the Moon—how the Moon's surface is shaped by the solar wind and even the long-term impact of Earth's magnetic field on its evolution. For laypeople, it adds a new layer of scientific understanding to our knowledge of these celestial bodies.
II. Netizens' Creative Connections: From Scientific Discoveries to Mythological Legends
How did netizens make this leap from science to mythology? The reasoning is as follows:
1. CCTV reports on the moon soil research, emphasizing the close physical connection between Earth and the Moon.
2. Since they are so closely connected, were they once actually connected?
3. They recalled the story from *Huainanzi* about Gonggong angrily hitting Buzhou Mountain, which resulted in the collapse of the "sky pillar" and the tilt of the heavens towards the northwest.
4. Conclusion: Buzhou Mountain must be a space elevator that connected Earth and the Moon; its destruction caused the Moon to drift away and Earth to tilt.
This line of thought quickly spread on social media, with comments like "Our ancestors already knew this!" and "That's really scary when you think about it," turning serious scientific findings into a part of a mythical narrative.
III. The True Identity of Buzhou Mountain: A Multifunctional Legend That Has Been Debated for Two Thousand Years
What exactly is Buzhou Mountain? Ancient texts describe it as a very active and versatile entity:
- Origin of the Name: *The Classic of Mountains and Seas* states that it is "a mountain that is not complete," hence its name "Buzhou" (meaning incomplete).
- Location Disputes: Scholars have debated its location for 2,000 years; some suggest it could be in the Pamir Plateau (northwest of the Kunlun Mountains), others in the Liupan or Helan mountain ranges, and some even propose the East African Rift Valley due to its described characteristics.
- Diverse Functions: It is not only said to be a "sky pillar" but also mentioned as a source of delicious food—its fruits are said to relieve fatigue, and its corn was once considered one of the best foods in ancient texts.
IV. Why *The Classic of Mountains and Seas* Has Become a Popular Cultural Icon
There's a reason why netizens often relate various phenomena to this ancient text:
- Coincidences with Science: Elements like the mythical creature Zhulong (human face, snake body, active during the day, inactive at night) have been identified with auroras; the bottomless abyss of Gui Xu resembles the Mariana Trench. American scholars have even found corresponding mountain ranges in North America based on descriptions in *The Eastern Mountains Chapter*.
- Influence on Popular Culture: Characters from TV shows and games such as the *Fairy Sword* series, as well as characters like Qiongqi and Taotie, are all inspired by *The Classic of Mountains and Seas*.
V. The Harmony Between Science and Imagination
Science and imagination don't have to replace each other; they can complement each other:
- Science provides facts: Research relies on data and evidence, such as experiments to verify findings.
- Imagination adds depth: It makes scientific discoveries more engaging and helps people connect with traditional culture.
In conclusion, science reveals the truth of the world, while imagination brings us its beauty. Together, they create a more complete understanding of our universe.
(End of translation)