Experts involved in the study suggest that the water preserved in the lunar soil could have various sources, from the solar wind to the arrival of water-rich meteorites or micrometeorites, as well as the existence of primordial water on the moon itself. This finding not only expands the understanding of the geologic history of Earth’s natural satellite, but could also have significant implications for future space missions, including the possibility of using lunar resources to sustain human exploration and colonization in space.
Conserved molecular water discovered in lunar soil samples
The study, recently published in the prestigious journal Science Advances, was based on a detailed analysis of nearly 100 impact glass samples collected during the Chang’e-5 mission. In these samples, scientists identified the presence of hydroxyl and molecular water in 12 grains, which provided tangible evidence of the existence of water on the Moon and opened new avenues of research in the field of astrogeology.
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New discoveries are renewing interest in space exploration
It is essential to understand this The discovery of water molecules on the Moon does not necessarily mean the existence of liquid water on its surface, because a molecule is the smallest unit of a substance that retains its chemical properties. However, these findings open a new chapter in the understanding of water deposition during the formation of planetary bodies, explained Tang Hong, the author of the study. This research could shed light on the geological and environmental processes that shaped the Moon and other celestial bodies.
The study also highlights the importance of understanding the evolution of surface water in oxygen-depleted environments such as the Moon, offering valuable clues about the sources and storage pathways of water on terrestrial planets. The findings, published in a scientific paper, represent a milestone in space exploration and promise to inspire new research into water and other resources in our solar system.
The recent launch of China’s Chang’e-6 probe represents another milestone in lunar exploration. This mission aims to collect and return samples from the far side of the Moon, allowing scientists to further our understanding of the formation and evolution of our natural satellite. Thanks to these advances, China continues to lead space exploration and play a key role in expanding our knowledge of the space around us.
