29-10-2020 | 14:33 PM
Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)
Context:
NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has recently confirmed the presence of water on the surface of the Moon.
Key Highlights:
SOFIA has detected water molecules (H2O) in Clavius Crater, which is one among the largest craters on Moon that is visible from Earth. It is located in the Moon’s Southern Hemisphere.
This indicates that water is not only limited to cold shadowed place but could be distributed across the lunar surface.
Earlier observations of the Moon’s surface detected some form of hydrogen; however, they were unable to distinguish between water and its close chemical relative called hydroxyl (OH).
The genesis of SOFIA’s results lies in the presence of water on the moon that was observed by Apollo astronauts in 1969.
About SOFIA
SOFIA is a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft, which allows astronomers to study the solar system and beyond.
The observatory’s mobility allows researchers to observe from almost anywhere in the world, and enables studies of transient events that often take place over oceans where there are no telescopes.
It flies at an altitude of 45,000 feet. It has a 106-inch diameter telescope.
SOFIA reaches above 99% of the water vapor in Earth’s atmosphere in order to get a clear view of the infrared universe.
