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Moon's Extreme Temperatures Hide Crucial Ice for Missions

1/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Moon's surface endures dramatic temperature swings, soaring above 100°C by day and plummeting to -100°C at night, all thanks to its thin atmosphere. Beneath the surface, lunar regolith acts as an insulator, while the frigid depths of permanently shadowed craters may plunge to -248°C, hiding precious ice that could be vital for future lunar missions.

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Story summary

The Moon's surface endures dramatic temperature swings, soaring above 100°C by day and plummeting to -100°C at night, all thanks to its thin atmosphere. Beneath the surface, lunar regolith acts as an insulator, while the frigid depths of permanently shadowed craters may plunge to -248°C, hiding precious ice that could be vital for future lunar missions.