Water on the Moon, the Precious Secret Revealed
The Significance of the Latest Discovery from Earth’s Satellite
Nov 15, 2009 Christopher Clayton
The Moon is the second brightest object in the sky, following the sun. Joining the Earth, the Moon is also the only other heavenly body upon which man has walked. Despite its close proximity to Earth and years of intense research, the Moon has shown that it continues to have mysteries to be uncovered.
The discovery of water on the moon is a monumental finding. This information can serve as fodder for extraterrestrial enthusiasts and revitalized scientific expeditions into space simultaneously.
Importance of Water on Earth
A bonding between hydrogen and oxygen atoms, water can be considered the most precious liquid on the planet. Across the planet, whether plant or animal the lifeforms that inhabit this world are linked in their need for water.
Serving as an internal transportation system for nutrients and helping regulate body temperatures, water is vital to the proper functioning of organs and systems in organisms throughout the diverse environments of the planet. If there was ever or will ever be life on other planets, the importance of water needs to be considered.
On Earth water naturally occurs in its three states. The liquid form is typically called water while the solid form is ice and the gas is vapor or stem. The sun creates the heat needed to power the continuous cycle of water. Ice melts into its liquid form of water. Water evaporates to vapor with the addition of heat. This vapor can condense and fall as snow and ice to begin the cycle again. With one state of water discovered, other forms could be present (or present at one time).
Importance of Moon Water
The discovery on water on the Moon is significant to a variety of fields and disciplines. To individuals interested in extraterrestrial life the discovery of water opens new possibilities.
Water is critical to life on Earth. Throughout the planet, access to water means that life exists. If this occurs on Earth the discovery of water on another planet increases the possibility of life on another planet (at least at some point in the planets history).
For the space program, a large supply of water means new possibilities for future missions. Moon stations could be developed near the sources of water. This supply could be used within the station or to power rockets from the Moon.
The Moon has regained the interest of many individuals by revealing its latest secret. A simple discovery of water offers more questions about what the Moon still retains within its soil. In the near future and with more research, the Moon and Earth may add additional aspects to their membership in an exclusive club of the solar system.
Source:
Dino, J (2009). "LCROSS Impact Data Indicates Water on the Moon". NASA Ames Research Center. Retrieved November 15, 2009.
Water of the Moon Discovered
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