Chinese scientists discover water in lunar soil samples

24.07.24
11:45


Technology

Chinese scientists discover water in lunar soil samples

The discovery could pave the way for the future development and utilisation of the Earth’s natural satellite’s water resources

A group of Chinese scientists found in the lunar sample, extracted by the probe Chang’e-5, a mineral that contains water molecules in its structure. This is reported by
Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

The agency notes that this is further evidence of the existence of water or water ice on the surface of the Moon, but it is more likely that it is there in the form of hydroxyl groups.

Scientists led by staff from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered molecular water in the lunar regolith for the first time.

This discovery revealed a potential form in which water molecules could exist on the moon’s surface: hydrated salts. Unlike volatile water ice, these hydrates are very stable in the high-latitude regions of the Moon, even in sunlit regions.

China aims to build a basic model of an
international lunar research station by 2036.

Photo:
iStock

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