Chang'e-5 Uncovers Moon's Hidden Water in Lunar Dust

 

📸: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Back in December 2020, Chang'e-5 made a significant discovery when it arrived on the Moon. It was the first in situ identification of what looked to be water in a rock on the lunar surface. Now, thanks to an unexpected finding that Chang'e-5 brought to our attention, we are able to investigate other possibilities. 

Continue reading to learn more.

Recent research has revealed that a mineral identified in Moon dust that was extracted by China's Chang'e-5 lander and then sent to Earth had such a high concentration of water that it accounts for forty-one percent of its total weight. The samples were put through X-ray crystal diffraction and chemical isotope testing processes by a group of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences led by physicists Shifeng Jin and Munan Hao. The primary objective of the investigation was to discover if the lunar regolith is composed of water or some other substance. 

Thermodynamic analysis shows that the lower limit of the water content in the lunar volcanic gas at that time was comparable to that of the driest volcano on Earth today, Lengai Volcano, explained the scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Additionally, the discovery leads to the possibility of a supply of water on the Moon that was not previously known: hydrated salts. Quite impressive, isn't it?! Since this is much more durable than water ice, it is possible that it may be accessible even on regions of the Moon that are regularly exposed to sunlight. This would reduce the likelihood that we will have to rely on water ice that is stored deep within shadowed craters near the lunar poles in the future.

Small glass beads, which are formed when the outer layer melts and produces what are referred to as spherules, have been shown to contain water in earlier lunar samples. These beads also contain water. The fact that water signals were found in the broad range of light that was reflected off the surface of the Moon suggests that there is a great deal more up there, someplace. Therefore, we should not allow ourselves to stop exploring and shine light on what more the Moon could be hiding.

You can read more about the recent findings and scientists' work here.

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