Chandrayaan-3 Data Suggests Ice May Be Widespread Beneath Lunar Surface

New findings reveal potential for ice in more regions of the Moon's polar areas, offering valuable insights for future exploration and habitation.

Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander conducted surface and subsurface temperature measurements near the Moon's south pole, a previously unexplored region.
The study found that slopes facing away from the Sun, with angles greater than 14 degrees, may allow ice to accumulate closer to the surface than previously thought.
Temperature variations were observed over short distances, with sloped areas reaching higher temperatures than flat regions nearby, due to differences in solar radiation exposure.
These findings suggest ice may exist in regions surrounding the lunar poles, not just at the poles themselves, increasing the potential for accessible water resources.
The data could support future lunar missions, including NASA's Artemis program, by improving models of water ice distribution and informing strategies for resource utilization.