Moon News - SciTechDaily

Look Up! A Blue Supermoon Will Light Up the Sky

Gordon Johnston, NASA — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:29:33 +0000

The Next Full Moon is a Supermoon, a Blue Moon; the Sturgeon Moon; the Red, Corn, Green Corn, Barley, Herb, Grain, or Dog Moon; Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi Purnima; and Tu B’Av. August 2024 will feature a rare celestial event—a super blue Moon. This full Moon will be the first of four consecutive supermoons, offering [...]

Wonder Material Graphene Discovered in Lunar Soil Sample From Chinese Moon Mission

Science China Press — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 18:31:59 +0000

Scientists have discovered a unique type of graphene in moon soil, brought back by China’s Chang’e 5 mission. This graphene, which consists of several thin layers, may have formed billions of years ago due to volcanic activity and the effects of solar winds on the moon. This discovery is exciting because it shows us a [...]

Protecting Earth’s Biodiversity: Scientists Propose Bold Plan To Create Moon-Based Bio Vault

Smithsonian National Zoological Park — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 09:57:19 +0000

A proposed lunar biorepository may allow for the storage of genetic samples without the need for electricity or liquid nitrogen. New research led by scientists at the Smithsonian proposes a plan to safeguard Earth’s imperiled biodiversity by cryogenically preserving biological material on the moon. The moon’s permanently shadowed craters are cold enough for cryogenic preservation [...]

Mysteries of the Moon: What Craters Tell Us About Its Past

Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd — Sat, 03 Aug 2024 17:31:46 +0000

This detailed examination of lunar crater chronology covers the development of dating methods through sample analysis, discusses the historical impact flux on the Moon starting from the solidification of the lunar magma ocean, and explores controversies in dating and impact source identification. It highlights the importance of recent findings like those from the Chang’e-5 mission [...]

Moon Ark: Scientists Propose Saving Earth’s Species With a Lunar Biorepository

American Institute of Biological Sciences — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 03:10:26 +0000

Researchers propose a lunar biorepository to protect Earth’s endangered species by utilizing the Moon’s cold temperatures for long-term storage of biological samples. This initiative seeks to overcome Earth’s natural and political risks by fostering global collaboration and developing new technologies for space transport and sample preservation. Faced with the threat of extinction for numerous species, [...]

Seismic Science Reveals Moon’s Mantle Is Rich in Garnet

Ehime University — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 07:16:07 +0000

Researchers synthesized garnet-rich lunar rock assemblages to determine if sound velocities in these compositions match seismic profiles of the Moon’s deep interior. Using high-pressure experiments, they concluded that garnet presence is compatible with observed seismic data at depths of 740-1260 km, suggesting its significant role in the Moon’s structure and dynamics. Moon’s Interior and Garnet [...]

Frontiers of Fungal Engineering: NASA’s Mycotecture for Lunar and Martian Habitats

NASA — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 17:42:52 +0000

NASA is exploring the use of fungi to build habitats for missions to the Moon and Mars. The mycotecture project, which has received $2 million for further development, could create sustainable, compact habitats that grow on-site, potentially transforming space construction and resource management. Innovative Habitat Solutions for Space Exploration As NASA prepares for long-duration missions to [...]

Moonlight Mysteries: How the Moon Helps Us Understand Earth’s Climate

Lindsey Doermann, NASA Earth Observatory — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 07:10:12 +0000

Fifty-five years after our giant leap, scientists continue to learn about both the Moon and Earth from our celestial neighbor. A recent ISS photo captures the Moon’s crescent and Earthshine, offering insights into Earth’s decreasing albedo and climate trends, highlighted by NASA’s CERES project. Since NASA first landed humans on the Moon during the 1969 [...]

No Longer Science Fiction: Scientists Develop Real-Life “Stillsuit” From Dune

Frontiers — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:31:12 +0000

The new spacesuit urine filtration system by Cornell researchers recycles astronauts’ urine into drinkable water, aiming to improve comfort and efficiency on future Moon and Mars missions. Currently, astronauts must relieve themselves inside their spacesuits during spacewalks. This is not only uncomfortable and unhygienic, but also wasteful. Unlike the wastewater management system on the International [...]

Mission Aborted: Why NASA Pulled the Plug on Its VIPER Moon Rover

NASA — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:20:50 +0000

NASA announced the discontinuation of its VIPER rover project, citing cost increases and launch delays. The project’s instruments will be repurposed for future lunar missions, including the upcoming PRIME-1 and Artemis missions, which will explore lunar resources and support astronaut missions. Following a comprehensive internal review, NASA announced on July 17 its intent to discontinue [...]

NASA’s Lunar Orbiter Reveals Hidden Tunnels on the Moon

University of Trento — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 15:00:26 +0000

The presence of conduits below the lunar surface has been theorized and extensively debated for at least 50 years. The analysis of NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter radar data reveals what lies below the Mare Tranquillitatis. A team of international scientists, under the lead of the University of Trento, Italy, has published a research study that [...]

ESA’s LEGO Space Bricks: From Meteorites to Moon Bases

European Space Agency (ESA) — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:01:20 +0000

ESA developed LEGO-style space bricks using meteorite dust to simulate lunar regolith, enabling the testing of construction techniques for potential Moon bases. European Space Agency (ESA) scientists have been exploring how a future Moon base might be built from materials on the lunar surface. Inspired by LEGO building, they have used dust from a meteorite [...]

Mystery of the Moon’s Far Side Unraveled by China’s Chang’e-6 Lunar Probe

Cell Press — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:00:56 +0000

China’s Chang’e-6 mission is set to deliver samples from the Moon’s farside, potentially unveiling significant geologic variations and the effects of ancient meteorite impacts, which could enrich our knowledge of the Moon’s development and the early solar system. China’s Chang’e-6 (CE-6) lunar probe is set to return to Earth on June 25, carrying the first [...]

Odysseus Lander Achieves “Dawn of Radio Astronomy From the Moon”

Daniel Strain, University of Colorado at Boulder — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 22:41:52 +0000

Odysseus, a lunar lander, successfully touched down near the Moon’s South Pole on February 22, despite technical difficulties. The ROLSES experiment recorded Earth’s radio waves, potentially aiding in the search for extraterrestrial life. Future missions are planned to continue this research. On February 22, a lunar lander named Odysseus touched down near the Moon’s South [...]

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Spies China’s Chang’e 6 Spacecraft on Far Side of the Moon

NASA — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 08:25:55 +0000

NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter photographed China’s Chang’e 6 on the Moon, revealing its location on a crater within the geologically rich Apollo basin, characterized by ancient basaltic flows. On June 7, NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) imaged China’s Chang’e 6 sample return spacecraft on the far side of the Moon. Chang’e 6 landed on June [...]

Don’t Miss the Strawberry Moon in June’s Night Sky!

Gordon Johnston, NASA — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 13:23:50 +0000

The Next Full Moon is the Strawberry Moon; the Flower, Hot, Hoe, or Planting Moon; the Mead or Honey Moon; the Rose Moon; Vat Purnima; Poson Poya; and the LRO Moon. On June 21, 2024, the full “Strawberry Moon” will be visible, marked by various cultural celebrations and celestial events detailed for specific locations like [...]

Revolutionary Rover Tech Tames Extreme Moon Temperatures

Nagoya University — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:23:49 +0000

A team from Nagoya University invented a heat-switch device for lunar rovers to withstand the Moon’s extreme temperatures. The technology optimizes thermal control, alternating between cooling and insulating, facilitating longer missions with less energy. Astronauts navigating the moon’s terrain in a vehicle contend with not only the perils of zero gravity and potential crater falls, [...]

New Technique Achieves Unprecedented Precision in Moon Mapping

Brown University — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 13:01:16 +0000

Researchers at Brown University have enhanced the shape-from-shading technique for mapping the Moon, making the process faster and more detailed. This advancement will aid in safer and more effective mission planning, especially for targeted areas like the lunar south pole. A new research study may help redefine how scientists map the surface of the Moon, [...]

NASA’s VIPER Rover Braces for Ultimate Space Challenge

Dan Andrews, NASA — Sun, 19 May 2024 19:12:14 +0000

NASA’s VIPER team is not only building the rover for the Moon’s South Pole but also preparing for its environmental tests. These tests are designed to simulate the harsh conditions of space travel and lunar operation to ensure the rover’s readiness for its mission. While NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) team has been [...]

Moonwalk Rehearsals: NASA’s High-Tech Simulations in Arizona’s Lunar Landscape

NASA — Sun, 19 May 2024 16:39:55 +0000

NASA is conducting a week-long field test in Arizona’s San Francisco Volcanic Field to prepare for future moonwalks during the Artemis missions. Astronauts, engineers, and scientists are simulating lunar operations, including technology demonstrations and geologic practices, to refine the procedures and technology needed for lunar exploration. Lessons from these simulations will guide future Artemis missions [...]

Redefining Space Construction: How Lunar Regolith Is Transforming Habitat Design

Engineering — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:05:31 +0000

Scientists conducted a quantitative evaluation of techniques for solidifying and forming lunar regolith. As lunar missions transition from exploration to building and using structures, constructing on the moon using local materials becomes essential. The focus is on solidifying and shaping lunar soil to make the most of local resources and reduce the costs of transportation [...]

How VIPER’s High-Tech Mast Is Transforming Lunar Missions

NASA — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 13:03:11 +0000

VIPER Rover’s new mast enhances its capability to explore and study the lunar South Pole, featuring advanced navigation tools and communication antennas essential for its 100-day mission. NASA’s VIPER – short for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover – now stands taller and more capable than ever. And that’s thanks to its mast. VIPER’s mast, [...]

Replicating the Moon – Scientists Develop Innovative Lunar Surface Simulation Chamber

National Research Council of Science & Technology — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 10:38:00 +0000

Developing a lunar base faster by creating an electrostatically charged environment. Research on establishing the Moon as a forward base for deep space exploration is ongoing worldwide, and Korea is no exception in these efforts. The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT, President Kim, Byung-suk) successfully implemented an electrostatic environment that simulates the [...]

The Moon’s Great Inversion: How It Turned Itself Inside Out

University of Arizona — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 15:00:09 +0000

University of Arizona scientists combined computer simulations and spacecraft data to solve a long-standing mystery surrounding the moon’s “lopsided” geology. About 4.5 billion years ago, a small planet smashed into the young Earth, flinging molten rock into space. Slowly, the debris coalesced, cooled, and solidified, forming our moon. This scenario of how the Earth’s moon [...]