NASA has uncovered water on the moon during impacts conducted by its Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite or LCROSS. The impacts created a plume in the permanently shadowed region of the Cabeus crater near the moon’s south pole.

Water had previously been found at the moons poles but these new findings indicate that water maybe be much more prevalent on the moon than previously thought. If so it could help sustain any future lunar missions as well as providing vital data in relation to the history and evolution of the solar system.

LCROSS scientists have been working non stop analyzing data from the impacts, mainly from the satellite's spectrometers which examine light emitted or absorbed by materials that helps identify their composition.

NASA’s chief lunar scientist Michael Wargo said “We're unlocking the mysteries of our nearest neighbor and by extension the solar system. It turns out the moon harbors many secrets, and LCROSS has added a new layer to our understanding.”

LCROSS was launched on June 18, 2009 as a companion mission to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). Once in orbit it separated from the LRO but held onto the upper stage rocket, this rocket was used to create the impact as it separated from LCROSS on its final approach to the moon. The satellite followed closely behind but managed to gather a few minutes of data before it too crashed into the lunar surface.

www.solarsystemquick.com

Double Asteroid Scare For Earth

NGC 6872 - Largest Spiral Galaxy

Nearby Planetary System Discovered