(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) FIRST DETAILED MAP OF THE MOON’S SOUTH POLE AREA

(APRIL-2025)

Astronomers have recently released the first-ever detailed geological map of the Moon’s south polar region, created using data from Chandrayaan-3.

Research Team: A group of scientists from ISRO’s Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (Bengaluru), Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad), and Punjab University (Chandigarh) used data from the Pragyan rover, which was part of the Vikram lander’s nine-day mission.
Objective: The mission analyzed the chemical makeup of the regolith—the loose rocks and dust on the lunar surface.

This map is expected to offer new insights into the Moon’s formation and evolution.

Primordial Magma: The Moon has an underground ocean of molten rock (primordial magma), confirmed by the Pragyan rover. This molten lava isn’t limited to just the equator or mid-latitude regions, but spreads across the entire Moon.
Common Geochemistry: Both Earth and the Moon share similar terrestrial and geochemistries. They contain common isotopes, suggesting that both formed from the same cloud of molten material.
Origin of the Moon: Around 4.5 billion years ago, Earth collided with a giant planet-sized rock, similar to Mars. The debris from this collision eventually cooled to form the Moon, pulled into Earth’s gravity as it solidified.
Craters on the Moon: Unlike Earth, where atmospheric conditions erode craters, the Moon’s dry, airless environment preserves craters for millions of years. This makes the Moon a valuable place for studying ancient geological history.

Presence of Water Ice: The Moon’s south pole is believed to have water ice, a critical resource for future missions. Water can be used for oxygen, fuel, cooling systems, and even drinking water for astronauts.
Geological History: The Chandrayaan map provides valuable insights into the Moon’s surface composition, the ages of craters, and its geological evolution. One example is the Aitken Basin, a significant crater near the south pole.
Key Minerals: The Moon is believed to hold valuable minerals:

Helium-3: An estimated 1 million tonnes of helium-3, which could potentially fuel nuclear fusion reactors without producing hazardous waste.
Rare Earth Metals: Minerals like scandium and yttrium are also abundant, with wide industrial applications.