Chandrayaan-3 Data Reveals Lunar South Pole Temperature Fluctuations and Potential Ice Deposits

Data from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, which landed near the lunar south pole in August 2023, indicates significant temperature variations in the landing region. Researchers, led by Durga Prasad at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, analyzed lunar temperature data and found that temperatures fluctuate dramatically, even in closely spaced areas. These fluctuations are attributed to the uneven terrain and varying solar energy exposure at higher lunar latitudes. Computer models suggest that slopes with inclinations greater than 14 degrees, facing away from the sun in polar regions, could maintain temperatures low enough to allow ice accumulation at shallow depths. This finding is relevant to future lunar missions, such as NASA's Artemis program, as it suggests that water ice may be more accessible than previously thought, potentially reducing reliance on Earth-based resources for long-duration lunar missions.