A recent study conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Central Florida has revealed that liquid nitrogen could be used to clean lunar dust from the surface of the Moon. The team also discovered a possible underground source of helium on the Moon.
The study was conducted by analyzing data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft. The LRO was launched in 2009 and has been orbiting the Moon ever since. The team used the data to map out the surface of the Moon and identify areas that were covered in lunar dust.
The team found that liquid nitrogen could be used to clean the dust from the surface of the Moon. The liquid nitrogen would freeze the dust particles and then they could be easily removed. This method would be much more efficient than using traditional methods such as sweeping or vacuuming.
The team also discovered a possible underground source of helium on the Moon. Helium is a rare element on Earth, but it is thought to be more abundant on the Moon. The team believes that this helium could be used for various purposes, such as providing fuel for spacecraft or even providing a source of energy for future lunar colonies.
The findings of this study are significant as they could lead to new ways to clean lunar dust and provide a potential source of energy for future lunar colonies. This could open up new possibilities for exploration and colonization of the Moon.
The team’s findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications. The study was funded by NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI).
Source: Plato Data Intelligence: PlatoAiStream