Water molecules found in lunar rock sample for first time
What's the story
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified water molecules within a lunar rock sample.
The research, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, was conducted using a sample collected by China's Chang'e 5 Moon probe.
The probe returned to Earth on December 16, 2020, carrying nearly 1.8kg of Moon rocks and soil.
This marks the first time that whole H2O molecules have been found in lunar samples.
Mineral discovery
New lunar mineral, rich in water, discovered
The research team has identified a new lunar mineral, ULM-1, composed of over 40% water and also containing ammonia. They used X-ray diffraction to examine the Moon soil grains.
Xiaolong Chen, co-author of the study and physics researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, stated that "this is a new form of water stored on the Moon."
The mineral bears a resemblance to novograblenovite, a mineral discovered recently in basaltic rock from Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.
Resource potential
Implications for future space missions
The discovery of water molecules and ammonia in the lunar samples has significant implications for future space missions and potential Moon settlements.
Ammonia is a component used in rocket fuel, indicating that the Moon could hold essential resources for human survival and space exploration.
The study provides valuable insights into the Moon's formation and history of lunar water.
Water source
Discovery suggests new source of lunar water
The research also proposes a previously unknown source of water on the Moon - hydrated salts.
This form of water is more stable than water ice, suggesting its availability even in sunlit areas of the Moon.
This finding could reduce future dependence on water ice stored deep within shadowed craters at the lunar poles, further enhancing the potential for human habitation and exploration on the Moon.