A view of the Moon’s surface where traces of water were captured by the SOFIA space probe.
GridKids.id – A new study using Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) captures details about the water distribution map on the Moon.
SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP aircraft designed to carry a 2.7 meter reflecting telescope that will fly into the stratosphere as high as 38,000-45,000 feet.
SOFIA recently joined the NASA project and German Space Agency of DLR.
SOFIA managed to capture a view of the lunar surface showing clear and identifiable traces of water.
This study provides evidence of how water might move across the Moon’s surface, particularly near the South Pole which is an important area of space exploration.
The new map covers about 1 and a half of the Earth-facing side of the moon at 60 degrees below latitude and extends all the way to the moon’s south pole.
With that larger area covered, it’s easier for researchers to identify how water relates to features of the Moon’s surface, moving away from sunlight favoring the area to cool.
Quoted from the page nasa.govdirector of the SOFIA Science Center at NASA’s Ames Research Center revealed that when looking at data about water.
Observers can see the rim of the crater, the mountains, and the difference between the day and night sides that occur on the mountain.
This can be seen because of the high concentration of water in that place.
By the end of 2024, Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover NASA’s (VIPER) will land in an area studied by SOFIA to conduct its first extraterrestrial source mapping mission.
Also Read: 10 Interesting Facts about the Moon, Earth’s Natural Satellite that Shines in the Night Sky
