新奇事件簿 玉兔从月球发回照片

China's scientific expedition to the Moon has sent back its first photos of the lunar surface. A robot called the Jade¹ Rabbit became the first vehicle to traverse the Moon's volcanic² ash since America's Apollo missions four decades ago. Scientists at China's mission control were ecstatic as the first high-quality images came through of an area of the Moon known as the Bay of Rainbows. The photos showed the rover with theChinese flag clearly visible against the dark of space. Jade Rabbit is expected to test soil samples ahead of the possible mining of the Moon's rocks and minerals. A Chinese scientist said: "China's lunar programme is an important component³ of mankind's activities to explore the peaceful use of space."

中国月球科学之旅发回了来自月球表面的首张照片。自从美国阿波罗探月任务40年之后，这个名叫“玉兔”的机器人成为了首个能够跨越火山灰的月球车。当高质量图片经过月球彩虹湾传到地面时，中国控制中心的科学家兴奋不已。插着中国国旗的月球车在黑色背景下清晰可见。玉兔将有望检测土壤状况，未来还有可能对月球岩石和矿产进行开采。中国科学家称：“中国的月球计划是人类探索有用空间等人类活动的重要组成部分。

The South China Morning Post described the Moon landing as a landmark⁴ achievement in Chinese history. It wrote: "The world long ago sat up and took notice of China's rapid rise as a space power….But nothing compares with the scientific and technological⁵ significance of the landing on the moon at 9.12 on Saturday night." It said the mission, "has transformed China's dream of putting a man on the moon into a given; soonerrather than later". China's science fiction writers are also overjoyed with their country's success. Chen Qiufan described his vision of the future, saying: "I think everything will look differently when a Chinese person looks at Earth from the Moon." He added: "I expect that day will come."

《南华早报》将这次登月描述成为了中国历史上的壮举。文章写到：“很长时间以来，全球都在注意着中国不断增长的太空实力。但是没有什么能够与周六晚间9点12分月球车登陆月球的科学和技术成就相提并论。”报道称这些任务已经改变了中国希望将人类送上月球的梦想，梦想即将实现。”中国科幻作家也对这次成功登月感到欢欣鼓舞。陈楸帆描述了自己对未来的展望，称：“当中国人站在月球上看地球时，我想，一切将不再一样。”他还说：“我希望那一天将会到来。”

1 jade   

n.玉石；碧玉；翡翠

参考例句：

• The statue was carved out of jade.这座塑像是玉雕的。
• He presented us with a couple of jade lions.他送给我们一对玉狮子。

2 volcanic   

adj.火山的；象火山的；由火山引起的

参考例句：

• There have been several volcanic eruptions this year.今年火山爆发了好几次。
• Volcanic activity has created thermal springs and boiling mud pools.火山活动产生了温泉和沸腾的泥浆池。

3 component   

n.组成部分，成分，元件；adj.组成的，合成的

参考例句：

• Each component is carefully checked before assembly.每个零件在装配前都经过仔细检查。
• Blade and handle are the component parts of a knife.刀身和刀柄是一把刀的组成部分。

4 landmark   

n.陆标，划时代的事，地界标

参考例句：

• The Russian Revolution represents a landmark in world history.俄国革命是世界历史上的一个里程碑。
• The tower was once a landmark for ships.这座塔曾是船只的陆标。

5 technological   

adj.技术的；工艺的

参考例句：

• A successful company must keep up with the pace of technological change.一家成功的公司必须得跟上技术变革的步伐。
• Today,the pace of life is increasing with technological advancements.当今， 随着科技进步，生活节奏不断增快。