Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Shackleton Ice?

A new study using infrared images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter suggests the lunar crater Shackleton may have massive amounts of water ice.  Shackleton is a relatively small crater by lunar standards at 12 miles across, but it is 2 miles deep and sittuated nearly exactly on the lunar south pole.  That location and depth means the floor is in virtually perpetual darkness, which makes it a cold trap where water could exist indefinitely, making Shackleton a prime candidate for the site of the first lunar base.

On the other hand, the bright reflections in infrared that could indicate water ice might also indicate fresh ground revealed by moonquakes, which could mean there's no ice in Shackleton at all.  NASA's upcoming GRAIL probe should be able to settle the matter.

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