To date, almost nono doubt that the moon may have water in the form of ice. In particular, water may be located in the craters of the South Pole of the satellite of our planet because they are constantly located in the shade. However, a group of researchers from the University of California found evidence that there could be much more ice on the moon than previously thought. And this opens up huge opportunities for the construction of lunar bases and the organization of a flight to Mars.
Is there water on the moon
Using data obtained with telescopesThe Arecibo Observatory, as well as information gathered by the NASA Messenger spacecraft, scientists found evidence in favor of the presence of ice on Mercury. On board the device Messenger was a device that allows to measure the height of the relief. Using the tool, it became clear that the craters on the planet are becoming noticeably less deep closer to its poles, which are in the shadows. Scientists attributed this to the possible accumulation of precipitating substances, including water, which could form deposits of ice.
But where is the moon? The fact is that, if I may say so, the method of addressing the Sun in these two celestial bodies is very similar. And even despite the fact that Mercury is much closer to the center of our solar system, due to the absence of the atmosphere (as on the Moon), the temperature on the surface of the planet in more shaded areas is much lower. These places include the South Pole of Mercury and the Moon. And if in the region of the South Pole of the first planet of the solar system there can be a lot of ice, then why should the device of the earth satellite be different?
This is interesting: What happens if the moon disappears?
Next, experts examined 12,000 lunar craters,located near the South Pole. It turned out that in most of these craters there were signs that they contain thick ice deposits. According to preliminary estimates, there can be up to 100 million cubic tons of ice in such craters, which is twice the figure based on data from previous studies.
Space base on the moon
In fact, the presence of ice on the moon will allowdo us quite a lot. The main advantage of this is, of course, that water can be extracted from ice. And it will be useful in future missions, not only to drink this very water. Water is known to contain one oxygen atom and, more importantly, two hydrogen atoms. It is this chemical element that can be used to produce hydrogen fuel. This means that the lunar bases can be provided with a huge amount of clean energy. And similar projects for the extraction of energy from water already exist.
Moreover, hydrogen fuel can be used.and for organizing space flights. Thus, the Moon can become a launching pad for flight to other objects of our solar system. For example, for so much expected mission to Mars.
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