Scientists have proposed using seismic waves to detect hidden water ice deep beneath the Moon's permanently shadowed craters, a method that could bypass the limitations of current orbital surveys. The University of…
The Story in Brief
Scientists have proposed using seismic waves to detect hidden water ice deep beneath the Moon's permanently shadowed craters, a method that could bypass the limitations of current orbital surveys. The University of Maryland-led study, published in Science Advances, found that ice makes lunar soil stiffer, causing seismic vibrations to travel two to three times faster than through dry soil. The technique was tested using volcanic rock, temperature models of the south pole, and computer simulations of moonquakes, reaching depths of roughly 800 metres. NASA's Artemis programme, targeting crewed landings in 2028, views lunar ice as a critical resource for drinking water, oxygen and rocket fuel.
The Indian Opinion
The hype around lunar water ice as a fuel source often ignores the gap between detection and extraction. This seismic method is clever but still theoretical until a seismometer actually lands near the south pole. India's Chandrayaan-3 lander did not carry one, but future missions could. The real test will be a dedicated seismic experiment on the Moon.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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