'A Chandrayaan-3 twist': Moon ice may be closer to the surface than what NASA's Artemis thought
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Lunar Ice
Ice may exist just centimeters beneath the Moon’s surface, thanks to terrain-driven temperature variations revealed by Chandrayaan-3’s latest data.
Slope Secrets
Small changes in slope angles create hidden cold zones, where ice could survive much closer to the surface than previously believed.
Temperature Clues
Direct lunar south pole readings show how even slight terrain differences impact heat retention, revealing unexpected ice-friendly regions.
Hidden Water
Unlike past assumptions, ice may not be confined to deep craters but could be scattered across sloped surfaces in high-latitude regions.
Artemis Shift
NASA’s Moon mission plans might change as these findings suggest astronauts could land closer to accessible water sources than anticipated.
Fuel Reserves
Lunar ice isn’t just for drinking—it can be converted into rocket fuel, potentially making Moon bases and deep-space travel more viable.
Ice Mapping
New models show that lunar slopes steeper than 14° could be cool enough for ice to accumulate, expanding potential water-rich zones.
Easier Access
Instead of extreme drilling or shadowed craters, future missions may just need to land on the right slopes to find extractable ice.
Cold Surprises
The Moon’s surface hides more frozen secrets than expected, with slopes providing unexpected reservoirs for future explorers.