A major breakthrough by Chinese researchers has led to a surge of excitement among Chinese netizens, who are now fervently discussing the possibility of cultivating vegetables, fruits, and flowers on the moon. This interest follows the historic discovery of a hydrated mineral containing water molecules in lunar soi that is best for lunar agriculture, marking a significant shift in our understanding of the moon and potentially paving the way for future manned lunar missions.
On Tuesday, the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and several leading Chinese universities unveiled their discovery of ULM-1, a previously unidentified mineral crystal found in lunar samples brought back by the Chang’e-5 mission. This mineral, which contains as much as 41 percent water by mass, is a groundbreaking find as no such hydrated minerals had been detected in earlier lunar samples.
Jin Shifeng, an associate researcher at CAS, highlighted the significance of this discovery, noting that such a mineral had never been encountered in previously returned lunar agriculture soil samples. The absence of hydrated minerals in earlier lunar research, based on samples from the Apollo missions, had led scientists to believe the moon was devoid of water. This assumption had a profound impact on theories regarding lunar volcanic activity and the moon’s formation.
Chen Xiaolong, another researcher at CAS, remarked that the new finding alters our understanding of lunar water and its historical presence. Thermodynamic calculations suggest that past lunar volcanic eruptions may have involved substantial amounts of water and vapor, offering deeper insights into the moon’s geological history.
Public Excitement and Practical Challenges
The announcement has sparked a wave of enthusiasm on Chinese social media, with users speculating about the potential for lunar agriculture. Southern Chinese netizens, known for their love of spicy food, have proposed growing “space chili peppers,” while others from the north have suggested cultivating potatoes and green beans on the lunar surface.
In response to this excitement, researchers have pointed out that the hydrated minerals found contain ammonia—a nitrogen fertilizer—similar to ammonium bicarbonate used on Earth. Additionally, the presence of small amounts of potassium in the mineral suggests potential for lunar agriculture. However, experts emphasize that there are significant challenges to overcome before planting on the moon can become a reality.
Zhang Chuanjun, a senior aerospace breeding engineer, noted that while the discovery of water in crystalline form is promising, it cannot be directly used for agriculture. Extracting usable water from these crystals will require further research. Additionally, the moon’s lower gravity presents challenges in retaining water and fertilizers for plant growth.
Zhang also pointed out that growing plants on the moon would require more than just water and fertilizer; factors like light, temperature, humidity, and air need to be carefully controlled. These conditions must be replicated in lunar habitats to support plant life.
Implications for Future Lunar Agriculture Missions
The ability to extract water from lunar minerals could address a major logistical challenge for future manned lunar missions and the establishment of lunar research stations. If future missions can harness this lunar water, it would reduce the need to transport water from Earth, significantly cutting costs and easing mission logistics.
The discovery of hydrated minerals also introduces the possibility of stable water forms, such as hydrated salts, which could persist even in sunlit lunar regions. This opens up new avenues for utilizing lunar resources and supporting long-term lunar exploration.
Chinese researchers have conducted rigorous analyses to ensure the accuracy of their findings, confirming that the mineral’s composition is consistent with lunar materials and not contaminated by Earth substances or rocket exhaust. This meticulous verification underscores the significance of this discovery in advancing lunar science and exploration.
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