Chandrayaan-3 finds sulphur, other elements on Moon; why is it important?
The discovery has proved twice what we know in theory and holds profound significance for space exploration, and will also help unravel the mystery of the Moon’s origin
In what is seen as a historic discovery, Chandrayaan-3 mission has in a first detected the presence of sulphur on the lunar surface. This has confirmed twice what was known in theory until now.
The presence of sulphur on the lunar South Pole region was confirmed after on site tests by the mission, a first that not only could provide clues to the origin of the Moon but also have profound significance for space exploration, say scientists.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday (August 31) said the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectroscope (APXS) instrument onboard the Pragyan rover confirmed the presence of sulphur and some other elements in the lunar south. Before that, on Tuesday (August 29), India’s space agency announced that another instrument, the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS), found sulphur in the region.
What discovery of sulphur on the moon means
In line with their expectations, ISRO also reported the LIBS instrument had detected aluminium, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon and oxygen. “The elements found on the Moon are not merely isolated compounds. They are time capsules carrying the whispers of cosmic history. Such findings not only reshape our comprehension of lunar formations but also offer potential prospects for lunar exploration and habitation,” said Akash Sinha, who was involved in developing software for the Pragyan rover.
“One prevailing theory is that sulphur may be trapped within water ice, implying that we might be on the brink of a monumental discovery: the physical presence of water ice on the moon,” added the professor of practice at Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence in Delhi-NCR. Sinha added that the discovery of sulphur represents a significant breakthrough in the understanding of lunar geology. “The presence of sulphur, especially in an area where volcanic activity — a common source of sulphur — is notably absent opens up intriguing possibilities about the origins of the Moon,” he said.
An old undated document from the US space agency NASA suggested the potential utilisation of sulphur for making lunar bricks or concrete using it with moon soil. Interestingly, China's reported plans to test printing bricks from lunar soil this decade for constructing a permanent moon base align with this idea.
The revelation of sulphur's presence might hold clues to the Moon's composition and its volcanic past, scientists said.
“Surface sulphur comes from volcanic activity, indicating heavy volcanism at some point in the Moon's history. However, the detection is from only one spot, so we need more data to gain a clearer picture,” said TV Venkateswaran, a scientist at Vigyaan Prasar, an autonomous organisation under the department of science and technology (DST).
According to astrophysicist Sandip Chakrabarti, the in-situ measurements definitively confirm sulphur's presence in the region, a feat beyond the capabilities of the instruments on the previous Chandrayaan 1 and 2 orbiters. “The compositions show abundant lighter metals such as aluminium and also abundant sulphur and iron. Sulphur could come from lunar volcanoes. Only traces of heavy metals such as titanium, and chromium, were found. These are along the expected lines,” said Chakrabarti, director of the Indian Center for Space Physics in Kolkata.
Vast implications for lunar exploration
These elements, he explained, aren't in their pure form and would need processing for future extraction. “The discoveries made by Chandrayaan-3 hold vast implications for lunar exploration. Beyond the allure of space travel, the presence of these elements paints a vivid picture of the Moon's character,” Chakrabarti added.
Experts also believe that aluminium’s lightweight strength could become a resource for future missions, potentially transforming the Moon into a launch pad for further space exploration. Calcium's critical role in biological processes could fuel discussions about the Moon's potential as a scientific research hub.
Chakrabarti expressed his enthusiasm for Pragyan's contribution. “It is indeed heartening that Pragyan is actually sending the composition of the topsoil of the landing area, namely, Shiv-Shakti Point,” he said, highlighting the need for helium, hydrogen and water for future space travel, survival and power generation.
“Right now, we are concentrating on survival on the Moon and not getting richer,” he added.
Presence of hydrogen?
ISRO has initiated a thorough investigation into the presence of hydrogen.
Venkateswaran, who is also a member of the outreach committee of the Astronomical Society of India, emphasised the rover's role in confirming a finding from Chandrayaan-1 about hydrogen particles reflected by the Moon's surface in 2008. “We do need to see water in any of its forms and hydrogen. That would be a genuine achievement,” Chakrabarti added.
Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar South Pole on August 23, making India the first country to land on the uncharted surface.
(With agency inputs)
