New evidence has come to light that is changing scientists' perceptions of whether or not water exists on the Moon. At the polar regions, where some craters are permanently shadowed, scientists are detecting neutron emissions consistent with the presence of hydrogen and water ice.
Search for Water on the Moon
To get a closer look, NASA is sending the Lunar Crater Observing and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, to the southern polar region of the Moon. Once there, mission controllers will intentionally crash part of this satellite into the Cabeus A crater. The resulting impact will send up a plume of lunar dust and debris which the remaining satellite will fly through in order to determine its composition; including whether or not water is present.
The Cabeus A crater is a likely spot because of its location in the south polar region of the Moon. Here, some of the deeper craters, including Cabeus A, are permanently shadowed. At the bottom of these craters temperatures regularly fall to four hundreed degrees below zero. Under these conditions, water ice, left over from comets impacting the Moon, can remain for billions of years.
NASA researchers are so excited about this potential find because it means future lunar explorations will be far less costly if astronauts are able to collect water from craters instead of hauling it from Earth. This is great news for NASA since their Strategic Vision (2006) calls for a return to the Moon in coming years.
LCROSS Partners with LRO Mission
The LCROSS mission was launched along with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) aboard the same Atlas V rocket on June 18, 2009. Shortly after launch, the LRO separated from the LCROSS and began traveling towards the Moon to map the lunar surface. Part of its mission is to study and photograph the same area where LCROSS will impact.
The actual impact will be caused by a Centaur rocket, which is an upper stage rocket launched alongside satellites and used for boosting objects into final orbit. It is attached to the LCROSS but once in range, mission controllers will release it and send it crashing into the Moon. Four minutes later, the LCROSS will also descend, measuring the debris plume as it goes, but ultimately impacting into Cabeus A as well.
Astronomers Anticipate Visible Debris Plume
LCROSS is scheduled to impact the Moon on October 9 at 4:30 am PDT and NASA expects the debris plume to be visible through telescopes with a diameter of 10 to 12 inches. The best viewing sites are west of the Mississipi and more information about how best to view this historic event can be found here. NASA TV, located on their main web page, will also be streaming live footage starting at 3:30 am PDT.
Source: NASA
Jason O'Hare - Jason O'Hare is a veteran educator and Suite 101 contributor interested in all aspects of teaching in elementary schools but especially ...
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