The 365 Days of Astronomy Travelers in the Night Eps. 355E & 356E: Moon Water & Interplanetary Sand Traps
Dec 7, 2025
Discover how the Apollo lunar rovers zipped across the Moon while unveiling volcanic glass beads that harbored trace amounts of water! Delve into the mysteries of asteroid Itokawa, a unique rubble pile with a surprising structure. The podcast explores theories on how sandy regions on asteroids can trap small impactors, akin to golf sand traps. Uncover the implications for lunar colonies as scientists consider the potential uses of lunar water for drinking, oxygen, and rocket fuel. A blend of space exploration and cutting-edge theories awaits!
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Apollo Moon Rover Enabled Key Rock Finds
- Apollo 15, 16, and 17 used the battery-powered lunar rover to extend exploration range up to about 4.7 miles.
- Rocks collected near landing sites included volcanic glass beads that preserved trace water, providing direct evidence for interior volatiles.
Moon Interior May Hold Significant Water
- Lunar volcanic glass beads contain trace amounts of water indicating the Moon's interior may be water-rich.
- Ralph Milliken and Shui Li suggest eruptions transported interior water to the surface, challenging the dry-Moon view.
Plan To Use Moon Water For Colonies
- Use lunar indigenous water for life support and fuel in future colonies to reduce Earth resupply needs.
- Scientists must gather more samples to determine how trace water in glass beads can be extracted and used.