Scientists have discovered a new renewable source of water in the samples that the Chinese mission delivered from the Moon in 2020, according to a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

"According to our direct measurements of the lunar water surface runoff reservoir, impact glass beads can store a significant amount of water obtained from the solar wind on the moon," the authors explain.

According to the Associated Press, the water lay in tiny glass glowing granules of lunar mud formed when colliding with meteorites. In total, the scientists examined 32 granules, the size of which is from one to several hairs wide. When colliding with hydrogen molecules in the solar wind, the granules can constantly release water.

According to the researchers, there are billions, if not trillions of such shock particles, but it will not be easy to extract them.

"Yes, we need a huge amount of glass pellets. But, on the other hand, there are a huge number of pellets on the moon," one of the study participants, Hejiu Hui from Nanjing University, told the agency.

Scientists believe that during future robotic missions, it may be possible to extract water by heating pellets, but it remains to be seen whether it is safe to drink.

Source: RIA Novosti