The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has unveiled a startling revelation that has shaken up our understanding of the moon’s surface temperature. This revelation comes as a result of analyzing data collected by the ‘Chest’ instrument, situated on the Vikram lander during the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The implications of this discovery have reverberated through the scientific community, challenging our preconceived notions of lunar thermal conditions.
BHM Darukesha, an ISRO scientist, has delved deeper into the significance of these findings. Initial estimates of the moon’s surface temperature were relatively modest, ranging between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, the actual recorded temperature has surpassed these predictions dramatically, registering an astonishing 70 degrees Celsius.
As Darukesh delved further into the data, an even more intriguing phenomenon emerged—a temperature plunge to as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius below the lunar surface. This stark temperature discrepancy has not only captured the attention of researchers but has also sparked the curiosity of space enthusiasts, introducing an additional layer of complexity to our understanding of lunar climatic intricacies.
Central to this exploration was the ‘Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment’ (ChaSTE), an integral component of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This payload played a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of lunar temperatures. The primary objective was to scrutinize the ‘temperature profile’ of the uppermost lunar soil near the moon’s southern pole. The insights yielded by this experiment offer a valuable glimpse into the nuanced temperature dynamics that govern the lunar landscape, enriching our comprehension of this celestial body’s environment.
