Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified a new type of mineral in a lunar sample brought back by the Chang’e-5 mission, which is characterized by including water in its molecular composition. This finding contradicts previous assumptions that suggested that the presence of water on the Moon was mostly limited to hydroxyls on the surface.
Does the moon contain more water than we think?
The study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, reveals that the discovered mineral contains up to six crystalline water molecules, making up approximately 41% of its total mass. This discovery is significant because it provides concrete evidence of how water molecules are arranged on the lunar surface, clarifying aspects that had previously only been the subject of speculation.
In addition, the composition and structure of this newly discovered mineral is strikingly similar to certain minerals found on Earth near volcanic regions. This newly discovered mineral is surprisingly similar to certain minerals found on Earth near volcanic regions. The researchers confirmed that neither contamination of the Earth nor residual rocket gases have influenced the presence of this hydrate, thus ruling out possible external sources.
Lunar sample reveals hydrated salts
This discovery suggests that water molecules may exist in the form of hydrated salts on the lunar surface. These salts are remarkably stable, even in lunar regions that receive direct sunlight and at high latitudes, which is in stark contrast to the volatile nature of water ice. Scientists are excited about the possibilities that this finding could open up for future exploration and exploitation of water resources on the Moon, marking a potential turning point in the planning of future lunar missions future.
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Source and photo: news.cgtn
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