A study based on data from India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission suggests that water-ice on the Moon may exist beyond its polar regions. Conducted by scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, the research used temperature data from the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) instrument to identify high-latitude regions where water-ice could accumulate.

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• New data from Chandrayaan-3 shows water-ice may exist beyond Moon’s poles.
• The study was conducted by PRL, Ahmedabad, using ChaSTE instrument data.
• ChaSTE revealed temperature differences of up to 60°C between lunar surface and 10 cm below it.
• High-latitude regions (60°-80° N/S) might have similar conditions to polar craters for water-ice.
• Temperatures at Chandrayaan-3’s landing site varied by up to 30 K within short distances.
• These temperature variations suggest cold traps that could preserve water-ice beneath the surface.
• Previously, water-ice was thought to be confined to permanently shadowed craters at the poles.
• The study opens new possibilities for water-ice discovery in high-latitude regions.
• These areas may be easier to access than polar regions for future lunar missions.
• The findings could support future lunar exploration, resource utilization, and human settlement plans.