Consider the following statements regarding the Moon’s thermal environment and water ice presence:

Statement I: Water ice on the Moon can only exist at its poles, where temperatures remain stable at extremely low levels.

Statement II: The Moon experiences extreme temperature fluctuations due to the absence of an atmosphere and is highly vulnerable to intense solar flares.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Question

Question

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.
Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 4.

In News

Data from Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander has provided new insights into temperature variations on the Moon and the potential presence of water ice beyond the poles.

Key Points

Previously, scientists believed that water ice could only remain stable at the Moon’s poles. However, Chandrayaan-3 data suggests that certain high-latitude regions with shaded slopes can also support water ice in the subsurface.
- The ChaSTE instrument on Vikram recorded 82°C at Shiv Shakti point, while just one meter away, the temperature dropped to 58°C.
- Temperature variations at small scales create more potential areas for water ice storage beyond just the poles.
  - Hence, Statement I is incorrect.
The Moon lacks an atmosphere, leading to extreme temperature swings:
- Daytime temperatures can exceed 100°C.
- Nighttime temperatures can drop to -180°C or lower.
The absence of a magnetic field makes the Moon highly vulnerable to solar flares and cosmic radiation.
- Hence, Statement II is correct.

Additional Information

Chandrayaan-3’s ChaSTE instrument recorded a surface temperature of 82°C at Shiv Shakti point, but just one meter away, it dropped to 58°C, confirming significant temperature variations over small distances.
Scientists now believe that larger slopes facing away from the Sun may provide stable conditions for water ice migration and preservation.
The availability of lunar water is crucial for future Moon missions, providing resources for drinking water, oxygen production, and rocket fuel.
Exploring high-latitude regions is easier than polar exploration, making these areas promising for future lunar bases.