Chandrayaan-3's mission to lunar south pole: Expert explains Moon's many mysteries
Dr. TV Venkateswaran, a scientist at Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and member of the public outreach committee of the Astronomical Society of India, answers key questions about the Moon's geological evolution, the significance of its south pole, the presence of water and ice, and India's ambitious plans for lunar exploration.
1. What is Moon's geological history and evolution? In other words, how old it is, and when/how did it form?
The Moon is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old, roughly the same age as the Earth. The leading theory about the Moon's formation suggests that a Mars-sized celestial body collided with the young Earth, and the debris from this collision eventually coalesced to form the lunar body. However, current geological evidence from Moon suggests that it may be younger by just 60 million years compared to Earth.
2. How much do things weigh on the Moon, relative to Earth, and why?
The Moon's gravitational pull is much weaker than Earth's, approximately one-sixth of Earth's gravity. As a result, objects on the Moon weigh significantly less than they do on Earth. This is due to the Moon's smaller size and mass. For example, a person weighing 68 kilograms on the Earth would weigh only over 11 kg on the Moon.
Why are space agencies racing to the moon's south pole?
3. Why do Indian scientists want to land on Moon's south pole?
The lunar south pole has become a focal point for exploration due to its unique features and potential scientific value. It is believed to host a vast reservoir of water ice in permanently shadowed regions. The presence of water is of immense significance for future space exploration, as it
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