Recent Findings

  • Possible ice deposits beneath the Moon’s surface, especially at the poles.
  • Discovery made by analysing temperature data from the ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) probe.
  • Crucial for future lunar exploration and understanding the Moon’s geological history.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Overview

  • Launched by ISRO from Bengaluru.
  • Successfully landed on August 23, 2023, near the Moon’s south pole.
  • Landing site: ‘Shiv Shakti Point’ (69° S latitude).

Temperature Measurements by ChaSTE

  • Recorded extreme temperature variations:
    • Daytime: Up to 82°C
    • Nighttime: As low as -170°C