India discovers signs of groundwater beneath the Moon's surface.

Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) say data from the Chandrayaan-2 mission suggests the possibility of subsurface water ice, particularly in craters perpetually in shadow near the South Pole. This discovery is considered significant for future exploration missions.

Data obtained from the Chandrayaan-2 mission shows potential signs of water ice beneath the surface near the Moon's South Pole. Image: Artificial intelligence created by India Today.

According to scientists working with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), data obtained from the Chandrayaan-2 mission shows potential signs of water ice beneath the surface near the Moon's South Pole.

The research team used the dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (DFSAR) system on the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter to survey craters that are always in permanent shadow. These are considered the coldest areas in the Solar System, where water ice can exist for extended periods.

Notably, a crater in the Faustini region showed the strongest signal, suggesting the presence of buried ice beneath the Moon's surface.

Scientists believe that, if confirmed, this discovery would further strengthen India's role in the field of extraterrestrial water resource research, following the previous Chandrayaan-1 mission's contribution to confirming the existence of water molecules on the Moon in 2009.

Experts believe that water on the Moon not only has scientific significance but also great practical value, as it could be converted into oxygen for respiration and hydrogen for rocket fuel, opening up prospects for building permanent bases on the lunar surface.

The discovery was announced amidst a backdrop of countries, including the US and China, accelerating their plans to explore the Moon, particularly the South Pole – seen as a new center of strategic competition in space.

Bich Hong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/an-do-phat-hien-dau-hieu-nuoc-ngam-duoi-be-mat-mat-trang-289300.htm