So far, we know that water on the moon is not a hoax. However, until now they were collected by lunar orbiters. However, for the first time, ever on-site proof solidifies the facts. Here’s all about it and the new possibilities opening up.
Water on moon: Here’s what on-site observation shows
China’s Chang’E-5 probe on the moon is credited with making the first on-site observation on the moon Back in December 2020, when the probe visited the moon, it made an in situ or on-site analysis in addition to bringing back samples to test on Earth. On-site detection is also helping boost more information on the relative abundance of water on the natural satellite.
According to measurements made by the probe, the water, at a concentration of 190 parts per million (ppm) was present in a boulder. While it is drier than Earth, it helps in understanding the significance of water on the lunar surface. The boulder chosen by the probe was light and full of cavities suggesting underground volcanic activity. Additionally, it also reveals that the moon may be holding more water in its interior. Analysis of samples brought to earth strengthens this fact. The study “suggests that specific volcanic deposits might be necessary for human life support for long-term lunar bases at lower latitudes, where ice deposits are less likely to form”.
What is the significance of the analysis?
To be clear, the study does not state that extracting water on the moon is easy. However, on-site detection of water will help in understanding how water is contained on satellites and planets. “The returned samples are a mixture of granules both on the surface and beneath. But an in-situ probe can measure the outermost layer of the lunar surface,” stated Lin Honglei. Honglei is a researcher with the Institute of Geology and Geophysics. He also added that stimulating accurate lunar surface conditions on Earth is not easy, making on-site analysis very important.