Scientists from the University of Arizona (USA) have analyzed data from various spacecraft and discovered clear evidence of ice deep within the craters at the lunar poles, where temperatures can drop to -250 degrees Celsius due to sunlight being unable to penetrate the dark pits.
This data was previously met with skepticism, as despite the lack of light, solar winds carrying strong radiation could potentially reach the crater floors, disrupting the molecules that form ice.
Thermal maps show that some deep craters on the Moon consistently maintain a “freezing cold” state at their bottoms, with extremely low temperatures due to the absence of sunlight – (Image: NASA).
According to Daily Mail, the research team has found the key: magnetic anomalies surrounding some impact craters, which are remnants of an ancient magnetic field that the Moon once possessed.
In a statement to Science, a representative from the research team explained that these magnetic anomalies have redirected solar winds, thus helping to preserve the precious water ice within.
Since this is indeed water, the subglacial lakes deep beneath these impact craters would be a significant treasure for humanity when establishing extraterrestrial settlements: providing a valuable water source for daily needs as well as fuel for equipment and spacecraft.
This water ice is believed to be primordial ice brought by comets during the dawn of the Moon, when it was still a habitable celestial body with a magnetic field. Previous studies have even suggested that the Moon once hosted primitive life, which eventually became extinct with the loss of its magnetic field.
Therefore, the research team proposes that we should search for hundreds of impact craters – volcanic pits that remain shrouded in darkness. Compared to Earth, the Moon has a slight tilt towards the Sun, which causes sunlight to always strike at a steep angle in some regions, preventing it from ever illuminating the deep craters.
