Chinese scientists have discovered water molecules trapped in lunar rocks, overturning previous assumptions that the lunar surface is dry.
Rock samples retrieved from the lunar surface and returned to Earth by China’s Chang’e-5 mission in 2020 contain crystals filled with “hydration molecules,” according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Samples returned by the US Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s contained no traces of water, leading scientists to believe that most of the lunar soil was completely dry, but remote sensing from lunar orbiters has since detected the presence of water on the moon’s surface, especially near the cold poles.
Now, a new study published in the journal Natural Astronomy Direct evidence of hidden water on the Moon’s surface has finally been found, potentially laying the groundwork for future resource extraction and base construction on our nearest natural moon.
The discovery suggests that “water molecules may persist as hydrated salts in sunlight-exposed areas of the Moon’s surface,” the researchers wrote in their paper.
The Chang’e-5 mission, named after the Chinese moon goddess, was the fifth in China’s series of lunar exploration missions. It landed on the lunar surface, collected materials, and returned to Earth with its cargo in December 2020.
Related: China releases most detailed geological map of the moon ever
Since then, scientists have analysed rocks from the samples brought back and revealed the presence of a mineral with the chemical formula (NH4)MgCl3·6H2O, which contains more than 40% water.
The discovery will help China better understand the resources on the moon. Use in future space missions.
The minerals resemble volcanic rocks found on Earth, suggesting they likely formed in now-extinct volcanoes on the moon. It’s not just the presence of water that has scientists excited: ammonia, another major component of rocket fuel, was also found trapped inside.
“The presence of ammonium indicates that lunar degassing is more complex. [volcanic] “This marks a historic milestone and highlights its potential as a resource for lunar habitation,” the researchers wrote in their paper.
China is not the only country looking to profit from the moon’s natural resources: NASA Administrator Bill Nelson previously said that the speed and progress of China’s lunar exploration missions has effectively put China in a “race” with the United States to reach the lunar south pole.
“My concern is they’ll get there first and say, ‘This is our area, you’re not allowed in,'” Nelson said. He told lawmakers “Because the south pole of the moon is an important part,” he said at a congressional hearing on April 30. “We think there’s water there. And if there’s water, there’s probably rocket fuel there.”
China has recently Month and Mars And the construction was completed Tiangong Space Station The company is leading the construction of an international lunar research station in 2022, with completion scheduled for 2030.
