Beautiful Virgin Islands

Monday, Aug 04, 2025

Nasa moon discovery: What does finding water on the moon actually mean?

Nasa moon discovery: What does finding water on the moon actually mean?

Water has been discovered on the sunlit surface of the Moon for the first time.

Researchers suggest that in some cases tiny patches of ice might exist in permanent shadows no bigger than a penny.

They explored phenomena on the moon called ‘cold traps’, which are shadowy regions of the surface that exist in a state of eternal darkness.

It is thought that many have gone without a single ray of sunlight for potentially billions of years.

But what are the implications of Nasa’s findings, and what do they mean for the future of lunar exploration?


So are there puddles of water on our celestial neighbour?

Nasa has discovered water at the moon’s southern hemisphere


In a word, no. Water molecules have been discovered in the Moon’s southern hemisphere, at the Clavius Crater.

The crater and its surrounding region radius is one of the largest craters visible from Earth.

The molecules, which are thought to be trapped in glass-like beads, are so spread apart that they do not form, ice, or liquid water.

What does the discovery mean for the future of space travel?

This illustration made available by NASA in April 2020 depicts Artemis astronauts on the Moon.


Water is extremely critical for deep space exploration. It can be turned into oxygen for astronauts to breathe and drink, and could be a fuel supply.

But water is heavy, and is therefore expensive to launch from the surface of the Earth.

“Anytime we don’t need to pack water for our trip, we have an opportunity to take other useful items with us.

“Being able to use water that is already at the moon would be a big help for us in exploring the Moon,” explained Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist for Nasa’s human exploration and operations mission directorate.

However, it is not yet known whether the water detected on the sunlit surface of the is accessible for use as a resource.

But how did the scientists find the water?

Nasa’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) – a modified 747 – found sunlit lunar water.


Nasa’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (Sofia) found the molecules.

Flying at altitudes of up to 45,000 feet, the modified Boeing 747SP jetliner with a 106-inch diameter telescope reaches above 99% of the water vapour in Earth’s atmosphere.

Using its Faint Object infraRed CAmera for the Sofia Telescope (Forcast), Sofia was able to pick up the specific wavelength unique to water molecules.

Is there enough water to keep the astronauts going, if they can get to it?

Nasa says water on the moon could be an in-situ resource for future astronauts


The data reveals water in concentrations of 100 to 412 parts per million – roughly equivalent to a 12-ounce bottle of water – trapped in a cubic metre of soil spread across the lunar surface.

The experts say it is an important discovery because now they know the water exists outside some of the dark craters that are really hard to get into and really hard to operate in.

If the water is in sunlight why doesn’t it evaporate?

A composite picture of the moon made up from thousands of pictures taken at different moon phases to capture every detail of the craters


Daytime temperatures near the lunar equator reach 120C, while night time temperatures can be as low as minus 130C, and the Moon’s poles are even colder.

But Casey Honniball, the lead author who published the results from her graduate thesis work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, explained the water is protected by the beads it is trapped in.

She said: “We believe the water is being stored inside the micro meteorite impact glasses beads, and these would shelter the water from being lost to space or migrating to the lunar pole.

“And this would mean that without a lunar atmosphere the water could stay on the surface of the Moon.

The water is locked in the glass beads, so it is able to withstand the harsh conditions of the Moon.

What happens next?


Nasa plans to put an orbiting space base called the Lunar Gateway up next to the moon


Sofia’s follow-up flights will look for water in additional sunlit locations and during different lunar phases to learn more about how the water is produced, stored, and moved across the Moon.

The data will add to the work of future moon missions, such as Nasa’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (Viper), to create the first water resource maps of the Moon for future human space exploration.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
OpenAI’s Bold Bet: Teaching AI to Think, Not Just Chat
Tesla Seeks Shareholder Approval for $29 Billion Compensation Package for Elon Musk
Nvidia is cutting prices on its RTX 50-series graphics cards after sales slowed and inventories piled up
Ghislaine Maxwell Transferred to Minimum-Security Prison Amid Ongoing DOJ Discussions
U.S. Tariffs Surge to Highest Levels in Nearly a Century Under Second Trump Term
Matt Taibbi Slams Media for Role in Russiagate Narrative
Pilots Call for Mental Health Support Without Stigma
All Five Trapped Miners Found Dead After El Teniente Mine Collapse
Ong Beng Seng Pleads Guilty in Corruption Case Linked to Former Singapore Transport Minister
BP’s Largest Oil and Gas Find in 25 Years Uncovered Offshore Brazil
Italy Fines Shein One Million Euros for Misleading Sustainability Claims
JPMorgan and Coinbase Unveil Partnership to Let Chase Cardholders Buy Crypto Directly
Declassified Annex Links Soros‑Affiliated Officials and Clinton Campaign to ‘Russiagate’ Narrative
UK's Online Safety Law: A Front for Censorship
Nationwide Protests Erupt in Brazil Demanding Presidential Resignation
Parents Abandon Child at Barcelona Airport Over Passport Issue
Mystery Surrounds Death of Brazilian Woman with iPhones Glued to Her Body
Bus Driver Discovers Toddler Hidden in Suitcase in New Zealand
Switzerland Celebrates 734 Years of Independence Amid Global Changes
U.S. Opens Official Investigation into Former Trump Prosecutor Jack Smith
Leaked audio of Canada's new PM Mark Carney admitting the truth about the Net Zero agenda: "We're gonna make a lot of money off of this."
China Enforces Comprehensive Ban on Cryptocurrency Activities
Absolutely 100% Realistic EVO Series Doll by EXDOLL (Chinese Company) used mainly for carnal purposes
World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab: "In this new world, we must accept... total transparency. You have to get used to it. You have to behave accordingly. But if you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't be afraid."
Meet Mufti Hamid Patel, head of Office for Standards in Education in Pakistan
George Soros tells the World Economic Forum: "President Trump is a con man and the ultimate narcissist, who wants the world to revolve around him."
Hamas are STARVING the hostages.
Decline in Tourism in Majorca Amidst Ongoing Anti-Tourism Protests
British Tourist Dies Following Hair Transplant in Turkey, Police Investigate
Poland Begins Excavation at Dziemiany After New Clue to World War II‑Era Nazi Treasure
WhatsApp Users Targeted in New Scam Involving Account Takeovers
Trump Threatens Canada with Tariffs Over Palestinian State Recognition
Trump Deploys Nuclear Submarines After Threats from Former Russian President Medvedev
Trump Sues Murdoch in “Heavyweight Bout”: Lawsuit Over Alleged Epstein Letter Sets Stage for Courtroom Showdown
Germany Enters Fiscal Crisis as Cabinet Approves €174 Billion in New Debt
Trump Administration Finalizes Broad Tariff Increases on Global Trade Partners
J.K. Rowling Limits Public Engagements Citing Safety Fears
JD.com Launches €2.2 Billion Bid for German Electronics Retailer Ceconomy
Azerbaijan Proceeds with Plan to Legalise Casinos on Artificial Islands
Former Judge Charged After Drunk Driving Crash Kills Comedian in Brazil
Jeff Bezos hasn’t paid a dollar in taxes for decades. He makes billions and pays $0 in taxes, LEGALLY
China Increases Use of Exit Bans Amid Rising U.S. Tensions
IMF Upgrades Global Growth Forecast as Weaker Dollar Supports Outlook
Procter & Gamble to Raise U.S. Prices to Offset One‑Billion‑Dollar Tariff Cost
House Republicans Move to Defund OECD Over Global Tax Dispute
Botswana Seeks Controlling Stake in De Beers as Anglo American Prepares Exit
Trump Administration Proposes Repeal of Obama‑Era Endangerment Finding, Dismantling Regulatory Basis for CO₂ Emissions Limits
France Opens Criminal Investigation into X Over Algorithm Manipulation Allegations
A family has been arrested in the UK for displaying the British flag
Mel Gibson refuses to work with Robert De Niro, saying, "Keep that woke clown away from me."
×