India’s lunar module, Chandrayaan-3, has made an important discovery on the Moon by detecting possible seismic movements, a phenomenon that has not been observed since the 1970s. These findings may be key to understanding the lunar interior and revealing fundamental secrets about its contents. structure.
The Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) in the Vikram module detected movement on the surface on August 25, 2023, but on August 26 when it recorded an event of natural origin and similar to an earthquake, where It still under investigation.
Currently, the most complete seismic information on the Moon comes from the Apollo program in the 1960s and 1970s. Therefore, these new data from Chandrayaan-3 will satisfy the need of scientists for more information in this area.
ILSA is the first device on the Moon with Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. This instrument looks for ground tremors, whether due to earthquakes, impacts or events generated by human activity.
In addition to the seismic discoveries, the Indian Space Agency (ISRO) has identified important elements in the lunar south pole, such as sulfur, aluminum, iron, calcium, chromium and titanium. The presence of traces of manganese, silicon and oxygen is also reported. Extensive research is currently underway to confirm the possible presence of hydrogen on the Moon.
However, the Vikram module and the Pragyan rover are on an operational standstill in the Moon’s night zone, where night lasts for 14 days. Relying on solar energy, they have no ability to charge their batteries during this period of darkness. Both are scheduled to reactivate on September 22 and continue exploring the fascinating region of the lunar south pole.
