SPACE

NASA-led researchers have confirmed that solar wind can create water molecules on the Moon, supporting hypotheses from the 1960s about lunar water formation.

By Aniket Chakraborty

Apr 17, 2025

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The research shows that when charged particles from the Sun, known as solar wind, collide with the Moon’s surface, they trigger chemical reactions that form water and hydroxyl molecules.

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This discovery could be crucial for NASA’s Artemis missions, as water is a vital resource for sustaining future lunar operations, particularly in the Moon’s permanently shadowed areas.

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Image Credit | @NASAArtemis | X

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Solar wind, primarily composed of protons (hydrogen nuclei), continuously bathes the solar system, but unlike Earth, the Moon lacks protection and absorbs these particles.

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When solar wind protons interact with the Moon’s dusty surface (regolith), they combine with oxygen in minerals to form hydroxyl molecules, a key component of water.

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NASA scientists used Apollo lunar samples for experiments, simulating the solar wind process in a lab to confirm that these reactions could indeed produce water on the Moon.

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The water-related signals observed on the Moon change throughout the day, strengthening the idea that the solar wind continually replenishes tiny amounts of water on the lunar surface.

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This discovery opens new doors for sustainable lunar habitats, where water could potentially be harvested from the Moon's surface, reducing reliance on Earth-bound resources.

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As lunar exploration accelerates, this breakthrough in understanding solar wind’s role in water creation on the Moon marks a significant step in preparing for long-term human presence on the Moon.

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This breakthrough also suggests that lunar water could be more accessible than previously thought, providing a potential resource for future astronauts to use for drinking, farming, and even fuel production.

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