"Revealing the Lunar Hydrosphere: A Game-Changer for Understanding Water's History on the Moon"

New research led by Western University postdoctoral fellow Tara Hayden reveals that the early lunar crust contained more water than previously thought, challenging the long-held belief that the Moon was "bone dry." The discovery of the water-bearing mineral apatite in a lunar meteorite sample suggests that the Moon's early crust was enriched in water over 4 billion years ago, providing valuable insights into lunar history and the origin of water in the Solar System. These findings have significant implications for future lunar exploration, particularly as NASA's Artemis missions prepare for launch.