News Link: ‘SOFIA’ Detects Water On The Moon
Scientists have confirmed, for the first time, the presence of water on the sunlit surface of the Moon. A discovery indicates that water molecules may be distributed across the lunar surface, and not limited to the cold.
Using NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), the researchers detected water molecules (H2O) in Clavius Crater. One of the largest craters visible from the Earth, located in the Moon’s southern hemisphere.
While earlier studies of the Moon’s surface, Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan-1 mission, detected some form of hydrogen. The NASA scientists said these were unable to distinguish between water and its close chemical relative, hydroxyl (OH).
As a comparison, the researchers said the Sahara desert has 100 times the amount of water than what SOFIA detected in the lunar soil.
Scientists noted that the water can be trapped into tiny bead like structures in the soil. These form out of the high heat created by micrometeorite impacts.
Compiled by – MK (Editor)
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While earlier studies of the Moon’s surface, Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan-1 mission, detected some form of hydrogen. The NASA scientists said these were unable to distinguish between water and its close chemical relative, hydroxyl (OH).
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