Mapping Unseen Craters

NASA's JPL has used the Goldstone System Radar to bounce signals off the south polar region of the Moon, creating a topographical map of the area. Data from Japan's recent Kaguya lunar probe was used as a check on the Goldstone results.

The topographical map shows several craters that are permanently shadowed; the Sun's rays have likely never reached the bottom of those craters. Because light never reaches those craters, they have never been seen before. Their existence is good news for those who think water ice may exist on the floors of such craters.

NASA intends to search for that water ice later this year. It will use the new map to target the LCRSS impactor into one of those craters and watch the "splash" after it hits for signs of water vapor.