Moon Surface (Representative Image: Canva)

Scientists have discovered water and hydroxyl molecules on the Moon's surface. This finding could change our understanding of lunar geology and assist future missions.

Research reveals that water is not limited to polar regions. Water-rich areas may exist even near the equator. Planetary scientist Roger Clark notes that future astronauts can access these regions for water. "Knowing where water is located will guide astronauts," he explains.

The Moon appears dry, lacking lakes or rivers. However, previous studies suggest ice may hide in deep craters. These areas remain untouched by sunlight, preserving ice deposits. Recent research supports this, showing that water is bound within lunar minerals.

Understanding the Lunar Landscape

Researchers used data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper instrument. This data captured infrared images, revealing water's presence across all lunar latitudes. While water is scarce in lunar mares, impacts expose water-rich rocks everywhere.

Images from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper, shown in black and white (top) and color-coded for various water-bearing minerals (bottom). The blue areas represent feldspars, with higher concentrations of water and hydroxyl near the poles. (Image: NASA)

The study highlights that water doesn’t last forever on the Moon. Radiation from solar wind gradually destroys water over millions of years. Yet, this process leaves behind hydroxyl, produced by solar hydrogen interacting with lunar oxygen.

The findings enhance our understanding of lunar geology. Both cratering and volcanic activity bring water-rich materials to the surface. These insights also shed light on lunar swirls—mysterious patterns on the Moon’s surface that are notably water-poor.

This research opens the door for lunar exploration. By processing hydroxyl-rich minerals, astronauts could find water. The discovery suggests that lunar explorers may squeeze water from stone.

The research has been published in The Planetary Science Journal.