Definitions
- Lcross: Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, a satellite that confirmed that there was ice in a crater on the Moon.
- Spectrum: A band of colors produced by a separation of the components of light.
- Plume: A mass of material spreading from a source.
On the Moon, scientists discover wet areas at the bottom of a deep crater near the south pole. The area is similar to an oasis, and scientists believe that if astronauts were to visit this crater, they would be able to use 10 to 13 gallons of water or convert it into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel. Scientists also think that the rocket fuel created can be used to return to Earth or to travel to Mars. The water on the Moon is in the form of pure ice grains mixed in with the soil so it is easy to extract since ice is about 5.6 percent to 8.5 recent of the mixture. NASA discovered this as they were analyzing the data of Lcross crashing into the 60 mile wide crater when the team had reported the impact had kicked up about 40 gallons of water. Also, scientists analyzed the spectrum of infrared light that reflected off the debris smoke and found compounds like calcium and mercury. With these minerals, NASA can find what objects have been hitting the Moon such as comets and other minerals that were produced by chemical reactions on the surface.
Discussion
In the future, the moon could be used as a stop to refuel because the water there can be converted into rocket fuel to travel to Mars, another planet, or back to the Earth. Also, if there is water on the Moon, there might be other planets or moons that have it too. This could mean that on one of the planets or moons there might be life. In addition, discovering water on the Moon is very exciting for the scientists at NASA because humans may be able to settle there one day. I chose this article because I am interested in the possibilities that finding water on the moon will lead to like other living organisms besides those on Earth. I hope that scientists will eventually send human explorers to the Moon and search for signs of life.
Questions
- Are scientists going to send more satellites or even astronauts to explore the Moon and other planets?
- If scientists discovered water in a crater on the Moon, what other amazing things will they discover near the poles?
Chang, Kenneth. "Moon Crater Contains Usable Water." The New York Times. The New
York Times, 21 Oct. 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/
2010/10/22/science/space/22moon.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=moon%20water&st=cse>.
Good job including everything in your blog. Except, you need to include the labels. The title summarizes the overall article. The picture also helps me visualize an image of the specific place on the moon. I would have never known what an Lcross was if you did not provide the definition. It would be interesting to know when astronauts will visit the crater. If they eventually use the rocket fuel to travel to Mars, it think it will be a very plausible idea. I agree that the moon could be used in the future as a pit stop for space shuttles. The moon could be an important safe place for humans if a disaster on Earth occurs. You may want to type up a little more in your discussion. Overall, you have chosen and typed up an interesting article.
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