Scientists confirm water exists on moon

Water on the moon may be more abundant and accessible than previously thought, a discovery that could prove important to future lunar missions


Molecular water unambiguously detected on surface, trapped in bubbles of lunar glass or
between grains of debris

Around 40,000 square km of permanent shadows – or cold traps – could potentially harbour hidden pockets of water in form of ice

Discovery made using Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) – modified Boeing 747 that works as flying observatory

Signatures consistent with water first recorded by India’s Chandrayaan-1 probe in 2009, mostly at moon’s south pole


Cockpit
Pressurized cabin
Science instrument (camera)
Pressure bulkhead
Door in fuselage slides open to reveal telescope in unpressurized compartment
Mission control and science operations
Education and public outreach


Controls and instruments
Infrared light
Secondary mirror
Primary mirror
Tertiary mirror
Pressure wall separates plane interior from exposed telescope

Telescope
2.5m-diameter reflector. Aircraft altitude allows infrared observation above obscuring layer of water vapour in atmosphere


Sources: NASA, German Aerospace Centre (DLR)
Pictures: NASA, DLR
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