For years, astronomers have made speculations about the presence of water on the moon. In 2018, astronomers confirmed that water is present on the moon in the form of ice. However, on October 26th, the announcement of NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) found the first evidence that water molecules can exist on the unforgiving landscape of the sunlit lunar surface. From this, it can be concluded that water molecules could be found across more parts of the moon than previously imagined.
SOFIA had detected water molecules (H2O) in the Clavius Crater, one of the largest craters visible from Earth, located in the Moon’s southern hemisphere. Previous detections had seen a form of hydrogen, although astronomers weren’t able to distinguish water from its close relative hydroxyl (OH). The water found is in concentrations of 100 to 412 parts per million - roughly the size of a 12-ounce bottle.
This found water presents an advantage in providing astronauts with a resource in outer space as they don’t have to carry as much equipment and resources. The presence of large quantities of water on the moon would be an important factor in rendering lunar habitation cost-effective since transporting water from Earth is prohibitively expensive.
Water is a precious resource in deep space and the key element to survival. Whether the water that SOFIA found is accessible or not, is still yet to be determined. However, under the NASA Artemis Program, the agency is eager to learn all it can about the presence of water on the moon before sending the first woman and next man to the lunar surface in 2024 and establishing a sustainable human presence there by the end of the decade.
Comments