NASA: Water Found on Surface of the Moon

NASA Oct 26, 2020 —

Two studies have confirmed the existence of water on the surface of the moon. The water may be more plentiful than previously thought possible; opened new horizons for space research and exploration. Nasa reported their discovery on Monday, October 26, 2020. 

NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) provided data for the first study alluding to the presence of water on the moon’s surface. While the modified Boeing 747 was observing sunlit craters on the lunar surface, researchers spotted a spectral signature that comes only from water molecules. Has to how water could survive on the moon, scientists theorize that the material is “stored within glasses or in voids between grains sheltered from the harsh lunar environment.”

Another study looked at craters never exposed to sunlight. NASA found that “Cold Traps” are plentiful and prime candidates for areas containing long-frozen ice. The team of researchers believes that 15,000-square-miles of the lunar surface could contain icy deposits of various sizes. 

The discovery is spurring NASA to develop plans for extended missions to the moon. The discovery of large amounts of water on another body in space would extend the reach of human exploration.

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