First Detailed Map of Moon’s South Pole

February 25, 2025

Researchers from PRL Ahmedabad, Panjab University Chandigarh, and ISRO’s Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems in Bengaluru created the first detailed map of the Moon’s south pole. They used data from the Pragyan rover.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Chandrayaan-3‘s Vikram lander deployed the Pragyan rover for a nine-day mission. The rover analysed the chemical composition of the lunar regolith. This mission marked the first landing in a high-latitude polar region, providing unique vital information about the moon’s geological history.

Discovery of Underground Magma

Data collected by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer confirmed the presence of primordial magma beneath the lunar surface. This discovery supports earlier theories about an underground ocean of molten rock. Previous missions had indicated magma’s existence but lacked detailed data from polar regions.

Geological Mapping Achievements

The new geological map reveals a landscape of highlands and flat plains. Researchers traced secondary craters to determine the primary impact source, Schomberger. The region’s age is estimated at around 3.7 billion years, coinciding with early microbial life on Earth. This suggests parallel evolutionary paths for both Earth and the moon.

Impact Cratering and Its Significance

Lunar craters serve as time capsules, preserving records of the solar system‘s formation. Unlike Earth, where craters erode quickly, lunar craters endure for millions of years. This allows scientists to study the cratering history and age of geological features on other planets.

Concerns Over Lunar Contamination

As lunar exploration increases, concerns arise about contamination. Previous missions have left debris on the moon’s surface, potentially affecting scientific research. The exhaust from lunar landers may also compromise the integrity of lunar ice reserves. This contamination could skew data on lunar water distribution.

Need for International Regulations

The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 lacks specific guidelines regarding lunar contamination. As human colonisation of the moon approaches, establishing an international legal framework is crucial. This framework should address the preservation of the moon’s pristine environment while enabling exploration and resource utilisation.

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