Revolutionary Discovery: Water Found on Sunlit Side of Moon

In a groundbreaking announcement, NASA has confirmed the presence of water molecules on the sunlit surface of the Moon. This discovery, made possible by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), marks a significant milestone in lunar exploration and has vast implications for future space missions.

The Discovery

The SOFIA observatory, a modified Boeing 747SP jetliner carrying a 2.7-meter (106-inch) diameter telescope, detected water molecules in the Clavius Crater, one of the largest and oldest impact craters visible from Earth. The water molecules were found in concentrations of 100 to 412 parts per million—roughly equivalent to a 12-ounce bottle of water—trapped in a cubic meter of soil spread across the lunar surface.

Implications for Future Missions

The presence of water on the sunlit side of the Moon opens up exciting possibilities for future missions. Water is a critical resource for sustaining human life and can also be split into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel. This discovery could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of lunar exploration, making it easier to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Next Steps

NASA and other space agencies are now planning further investigations to understand the distribution and accessibility of water on the lunar surface. Future missions will focus on mapping water resources and developing technologies to extract and utilize this precious resource.