Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape our understanding of lunar water. A team from the Institute of Geochemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that glassy materials within lunar soil samples contain hydroxyl and molecular water derived from multiple sources.
The lunar soil samples were collected during China’s Chang’e-5 mission, which returned to Earth on December 17, 2020, bringing back 1,731 grams of rocks and soil from the Moon’s surface. Analyzing nearly 100 samples of impact glass—formed by meteorite and micrometeorite impacts—the researchers identified 12 grains containing hydroxyl and molecular water.
Multiple Sources of Lunar Water
The study, published in the journal Science Advances, revealed that the water within these glassy materials originated from several sources:
- Solar Wind Implantation: Protons from the solar wind interact with the lunar surface, leading to the formation of hydroxyl and water molecules.
- Extraterrestrial Delivery: Water-rich meteorites and micrometeorites impacting the Moon contribute to the water content.
- Native Lunar Water: Some water may be inherent to the Moon itself, dating back to its formation.
Notably, the primary contributor to the water found in the lunar glass is solar wind implantation. This highlights the significant role of the solar wind in delivering water to the Moon, a process that may also occur on other airless bodies in the solar system.
Implications for Planetary Science
“This discovery helps us understand the sources and storage mechanisms of water on terrestrial planets,” said Tang Hong, the corresponding author of the study. “It opens up new avenues for exploring water distribution across the solar system.”
Understanding how water is stored and distributed on the Moon is crucial not only for scientific knowledge but also for future lunar exploration. Water resources could support human presence on the Moon, providing drinking water and fuel for spacecraft.
Looking Ahead: Chang’e-6 Mission
Building on the success of Chang’e-5, China launched the Chang’e-6 spacecraft this month. The mission aims to collect and return samples from the Moon’s far side, furthering our understanding of the Moon’s formation and evolution.
As lunar exploration advances, discoveries like these underscore the importance of international scientific collaboration in unlocking the mysteries of our nearest celestial neighbor.
Reference(s):
Glasses in Moon's soil preserve water from multiple sources: study
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