Northeast India’s Only English and Hindi Satellite News Channel

Oxygen and sulphur on moon! Does this mean human can live on the moon?

First Published: 30th August, 2023 15:32 IST

Pragyan rover has detected the presence of Sulphur, Aluminium, Calcium, Ferrous (Iron), Chromium, Titanium, Manganese, Silicon and Oxygen

In what can be termed as a significant breakthrough, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope instrument on board Pragyan rover of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has confirmed the presence of Sulphur in moon’s surface near the south pole.
Not just sulphur, the Pragyan rover has detected the presence of Aluminium (Al), Calcium (Ca), Ferrous (Iron) (Fe), Chromium (Fe), Titanium (Ti), Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si) and Oxygen (O2) revealed Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO.
The space agency also said that the search for hydrogen in the Moon’s south pole region is underway.
“In-situ scientific experiments continue …. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) instrument on board the Rover unambiguously confirms the presence of Sulphur (S) in the lunar surface near the south pole, through first-ever in-situ measurements. Al, Ca, Fe, Cr, Ti, Mn, Si, and O are also detected, as expected. Search for Hydrogen (H) is underway. LIBS instrument is developed at the Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS)/ISRO, Bengaluru,” ISRO wrote on X.
The presence of sulphur on moon’s south polar region is noteworthy as it indicates existence of water ice, a crucial factor for future lunar missions and potential human habitation.
Sulphur usually originates from volcanic activities, and its presence on the Moon can help get us more insights on moon’s history and composition.
Detection of aluminium, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, and silicon will also help in understanding Moon’s elemental composition and geological processes.
The detection of oxygen is also a crucial discovery and will help us study if life really existed on moon, and there could have been vegetation in moon once.
It also shows that moon is more hospitable and the presence of natural resources can be used for mining.
On August 27, the rover came across a 4-meter diameter crater positioned 3 meters ahead of its location. The Rover was commanded to retrace the path, and was safely headed on a new path.
The solar-powered Pragyan rover and Vikram lander continue to conduct a series of scientific experiments, the mission is likely to last for another seven days.
Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission carried out by ISRO, landed on the moon’s South pole, making it the first country to have achieved the historic feat, and fourth country after the US, China, and Russia – to have successfully landed on the moon’s surface.

Also Read : Nita Ambani steps down, children Isha, Akash and Anant to join Reliance board

COMMENTS

WE RECOMMEND

Banner
Lok Sabha elections: Heavy security checks in Mumbai ahead of fifth phase of voting

Security forces have intensified vigil in Mumbai, a day before the metropolitan city is set to go into polls in the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday (May 20). The city remains under tight security cover as large-scale spot checks are being carried out by stationary and mobile teams. The city remains under […]

19th May 2024
Banner
Bihar: Shahi litchi of Muzaffarpur to remain costly due to heatwave spells

The heatwave conditions swept across various districts of Bihar.

19th May 2024
Banner
“Swati Maliwal ka Sach”: AAP attacks Maliwal after purported clip from day of “assault” goes viral

In a post on social media platform X, AAP stated, "Swati Maliwal ka sach (Swati Maliwal's truth)." The post refers to a news story with a purported video clip of the Rajya Sabha MP and security personnel at CM Kejriwal's house on May 13. Delhi Police say that the video is yet to be authenticated by them.

17th May 2024
Banner
Air India flight from Pune collides with tug truck before takeoff

Airport officials have confirmed the incident and stated that "the passengers were immediately deplaned and arrangements were made for an alternative flight to Delhi."

17th May 2024
Banner
Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s mother, Madhvi Raje, passes away

The Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia is seeking a fresh term in the Lok Sabha from Guna in Madhya Pradesh.

15th May 2024