Glass beads spawned in violent impacts from space rocks on the lunar surface have been found to have water trapped inside, offering what scientists describe as a potential reservoir of this precious resource for future human activities on the moon.
Scientists said on Monday an analysis of lunar soil samples retrieved in 2020 during China's robotic Chang'e-5 mission showed that these spheres of glass - rock melted and cooled - created in the impacts bore within them water molecules formed through the action of the solar wind on the moon's surface.
For future moon exploration, including potential long-term lunar bases staffed with astronauts, water is of vital importance not only as a drinking supply but as a fuel ingredient. The moon lacks the bodies of liquid water that are a hallmark of Earth. But its surface is thought to harbor a fairly substantial amount of water, for example in ice patches residing in permanently shadowed locales and trapped in minerals.
"We can simply heat these glass beads to free the water stored in them," said planetary scientist and study co-author Hejiu Hui of Nanjing University in China.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
More Water Found on Moon, Locked in Tiny Glass BeadsThe moon’s surface may contain a new source of water embedded in microscopic glass beads that may one day help astronauts produce drinking water, breathable air and even rocket fuel
Read more »
A parting glass to Atwood's TavernThe beloved East Cambridge restaurant and venue closes on March 31 after a 16-year run. Musicians who played there over the years share their memories of what made this space special.
Read more »
6 Reasons Tim Burton's Alice Sequel Was Such A FailureWhile Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland made over $1 billion, the sequel somehow bombed and made $700 million less, but the writing was on the wall.
Read more »
Madelyn Cline Plays the Long GameMadelyn Cline is one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars, with a recent schedule that included a trip to Paris Fashion Week and the Oscars party circuit in between two major press runs—yet these days, all she really dreams of is some rest and relaxation.
Read more »
Update: KQ’s New Boy Group xikers Asks “Who Wants To Come In?” In Intriguing Debut TrailerWATCH: KQ's New Boy Group xikers Asks 'Who Wants To Come In?' In Intriguing Debut Trailer
Read more »
Hoornstra: Shohei Ohtani takes center stage among 2023’s storylines to watch in MLBOhtani, the new rules, and the Padres’ ahistorical quest top the list of the year’s most intriguing MLB storylines.
Read more »