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Mahesh

13/10/22 06:34 AM IST

Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter locates Sodium abundance on Moon

In News 
  • Scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have mapped out the global distribution of sodium on the Moon’s surface.
Major Findings 
  • Two types of of sodium atoms have been found on the Moon’s surface, those that are loosely bound on the surface and those that are part of the minerals.
  • External agents such as solar radiation liberate the loosely bound atoms more easily thus acting as a source of the atoms in the lunar exosphere.
  • There are sodium atoms that are weakly bound to the lunar surface.
  • When compared to Earth, the moon is significantly depleted of volatile elements such as sodium.
  • Sodium is the only element apart from potassium that can be observed through telescopes in the lunar atmosphere (its exosphere).
Findings so far by Chandrayaan-2 
  • Finding hydroxyl & water molecules on Lunar Surface
  • Distribution of gas in lunar atmosphere
  • Presence of precious elements
  • Study of the Sun
Significance 
  • This new map of sodium would enable an understanding of the surface-exosphere connection.
  • It can also be used as a tracer of the volatile history of the moon.
  • The Moon is the closest cosmic body at which space discovery can be attempted and documented.
  • It is also a promising test bed to demonstrate technologies required for deep-space missions.
  • The Moon provides the best linkage to Earth’s early history.
  • It offers an undisturbed historical record of the inner Solar system environment.
Chandrayaan-2
  • Chandrayaan-2 (sent in 2019) was the second lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation, after Chandrayaan-1 (2008).
  • It consisted of a lunar orbiter, and also included the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan lunar rover, all of which were developed in India.
Source- AIR News 

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