An image of the lunar surface taken by the panoramic camera aboard the Chang’e 5 spacecraft after landing on the moon China National Space Administration/CNS/AFP via Getty Images
There really is water on the moon. Molecules of H2O have been detected in lunar rocks for the first time in samples picked up by China’s Chang’e 5 spacecraft. These minerals could provide a source of water for a moon base, as well as offer fresh clues about the moon’s history.
The moon was long thought to be bone dry, but in the past 20 years,…
![Small dome in the Compton-Belkovich region (61.33 ?N, 99.68 ?E). Evidence indicates a volcanic origin for this and other intriguing features in the region. Incidence angle is 64?, Sun is from the SSW, image is ~510 m across. NAC image number M139238146L [NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University].](https://images.newscientistbeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/07172644/SEI_163208069.jpg)
