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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: Simon on November 13, 2009, 20:21

Title: 'Large amounts' of water on Moon
Post by: Simon on November 13, 2009, 20:21

Nasa's experiment last month to find water on the Moon was a major success, US scientists have announced.

The space agency smashed a rocket and a probe into a large crater at the lunar south pole, hoping to kick up ice.  Scientists who have studied the data now say instruments trained on the impact plume saw copious quantities of water vapour.  One researcher described this as the equivalent of "a dozen two-gallon buckets" of water.

(https://www.pc-pals.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F46729000%2Fjpg%2F_46729708_lcross_result_nasa_466.jpg&hash=a195acb3f45d6e595c94264f90f65e80691f8d96)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8359744.stm

Title: Re: 'Large amounts' of water on Moon
Post by: Clive on November 13, 2009, 22:32

That is very encouraging news for future astronauts wishing to build a base on the Moon.  Way back in the 60's I expected it to be fully operational by now.  Arthur C Clarke thought so too!  :(

Title: Re: 'Large amounts' of water on Moon
Post by: sam on November 14, 2009, 20:51

tis only a few gallons... I doubt it would be enough to support a base.

The problem is, Clive, politics get in the way.

Title: Re: 'Large amounts' of water on Moon
Post by: Clive on November 14, 2009, 21:16

The way the media is portraying it makes it seem as if the Moon has its own Pacific Ocean on the dark side!   ;D

Title: Re: 'Large amounts' of water on Moon
Post by: GillE on November 14, 2009, 21:20

So long as there's enough that we can send Philip Schofield and the whole of Dancing On Ice there, it'll be plenty :) .

Title: Re: 'Large amounts' of water on Moon
Post by: Simon on November 15, 2009, 00:28

Would there be room for Bruce Forsyth too?  In fact, anything with a phone vote can go!   :devil: