As 2009 comes to an end, many discoveries are still being made by United States scientists, the newest of which is the existence of water on the moon. During the month of October, NASA sent two spacecrafts into outer space.
The Crater Observation and Sensing Satellites, which cost 79 million dollars, were able to collect debris that contained 25 gallons of water. It was an exciting breakthrough for many scientists, who have long been suspecting the existence of water on the moon.
Unexpectedly, water found on the South side of the moon was in large quantities. This discovery is instigating more explorations, and many researchers and experts believe this new sighting will spark much interest.
Further evidence of existing water may generate enough curiosity for many to go and visit.
Although thinking that far ahead many cause some to cringe, having an abundance of water on the moon can be very beneficial. A lunar supply of water can make moon walks easier for astronauts, allowing them to set up base camps with local drinking water and rocket fuel.
But how exactly did they manage to find the water particles?
The discoveries occurred when NASA sent two spacecrafts, known as the LCROSS, into space. Theses spacecrafts were intentionally targeted to hit the moon’s south side. The first rocket smashed into the Cabeus crater, right behind which was the second rocket, recording all the action live.
The spacecrafts only hit a small portion of the moon making it impossible to identify how much water the entire moon may hold in store.
Many scientists spent an entire month investigating previously collected data containing sturdy indicators of water molecules. “We’ve had hints that there is water. This was almost like tasting it.” said Peter Schultz, professor of geological sciences at Brown University and a co-investigator of the LCROSS mission.
Even with all this action happening in outer space, down here on earth the economic problems were quick enough to affect NASA’s progress. The blue-ribbon panel that reviews NASA’s future plans was quick to respond, “the discovery doesn’t change their conclusion that the program needs more money to get beyond near- Earth orbit.” In addition, the panel believes NASA should look into other potential destinations as well as take a look at asteroids and Mars.
As NASA continues to wait for an answer from the U.S. government, the lunar plans remain on hold.
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