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| Science & Technology |
| [Chinese] Scientists have discovered traces of water in lunar soil |
| 2024-07-25 |
| Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited. Elysium... [Regnum] Chinese scientists have discovered traces of water in samples of lunar soil delivered to Earth by the Chang'e-5 probe. This was reported in the journal Nature Astronomy. Researchers analyzed the lunar soil and found a hydrated mineral in it, in which the mass fraction of water is about 41%. Scientists say its structure and composition are similar to terrestrial fumarole minerals, which are formed by a reaction between hot basalt and water-saturated volcanic gases. It is noted that lunar minerals also contain ammonium, which indicates a more complex history of the Moon's outgassing and points to its potential as a resource for habitation. As reported by the Regnum news agency, on June 25, the Chinese probe Chang'e-6 returned to Earth with lunar soil. According to the Xinhua agency, Chang'e-6 has become one of China's most complex space exploration missions. The craft landed on the far side of the Moon on June 2 and carried out sampling operations. It lifted off from the Moon with samples on June 4 and entered lunar orbit. The probe then completed docking with the orbiter on June 6 and transferred the samples. The orbiter spent 13 days in lunar orbit, awaiting a suitable opportunity to return to Earth. Yang Wei, a research fellow at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the delivered samples would lead to new discoveries. Related: Lunar soil 07/17/2024 A cave has been discovered on the Moon that could become a base for humans Lunar soil 02/10/2014 NASA bets on private companies to exploit moon's resources Lunar soil 05/29/2009 US and Indian lunar orbiters team up to search for ice |
| Posted by:badanov |
| #5 Grom, I am currently re-reading that very book (after 50+ years.) |
| Posted by: Glenmore 2024-07-25 19:45 |
| #4 I insist Dr. Tony Fauci proceed to the lunar surface immediately to secure the area in question. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2024-07-25 11:28 |
| #3 Meanwhile... Astronauts remain in space with no return date... but NASA rubbish 'stranded' claims |
| Posted by: Skidmark 2024-07-25 11:20 |
| #2 I'm sure their laboratories are as tight against terrestrial contamination as at Wuhan. |
| Posted by: Procopius2k 2024-07-25 07:30 |
| #1 The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. |
| Posted by: Grom the Reflective 2024-07-25 05:22 |