Water on the Moon is not a new concept. Past missions by NASA and India have detected signs of its presence. However, Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying molecular water (H2O) within glass beads on the Moon’s surface. This is the first time molecular water has been directly detected in physical lunar samples. The discovery comes from analyzing soil samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission, which landed on the Moon in 2020.
Researchers discovered a tiny, transparent crystal called ULM-1 within these samples. This new lunar mineral, described in a study published on July 16 in Nature Astronomy, is about the width of a human hair. It consists of approximately 41% water. The presence of ammonia within the crystal helps stabilize the water molecules despite the extreme temperature variations on the Moon’s surface. This finding could be significant for future lunar missions and the potential development of life-sustaining resources on the Moon.
Scientists believe this water could potentially be utilized to support life on the Moon. This discovery is part of China’s larger efforts to lead in space exploration, including their ambitious plan to build a Moon base. Chinese social media users have celebrated this study, viewing the space program as a point of national pride.
“The discovery of a hydrated mineral at the Chang’e-5 landing site is fascinating and will further enhance our understanding of rock-vapor reactions in the lunar crust and on the lunar surface,” said David A. Kring, a principal scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Texas who was not involved in the study.
According to planetary geologist Yuqi Qian, there are three forms of water present on the Moon: water molecules (H2O), ice (its solid form), and hydroxyl, which is chemically similar to water. Qian, from the University of Hong Kong, was not involved in the study that revealed this new information.
