A team of researchers led by the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shown
The researchers analyzed the composition of the mainelements, the abundance of water and the composition of hydrogen isotopes in impact glass balls found on the surface of the Moon and brought to Earth by the Chang'e-5 mission. A total of 117 individual spherical glass beads were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalyzer and Raman spectroscopy.
Artistic illustration of the accumulation and release of water in glass percussion balls. Image: Hu Sen
The analysis showed that impact-resistant glassballs have a uniform chemical composition and smooth open surfaces. They are characterized by a water cut of up to about 2000 µg/g with an extremely low deuterium content. The negative correlation between water content and hydrogen isotopic composition reflects the fact that the water contained in the balls comes from the solar wind.
The researchers also analyzed the abundance of wateron six cuts in five glass beads, which confirmed the origin of water from the solar wind. However, some glass beads showed later degassing. The researchers believe that such structures acted like a sponge to buffer the water cycle on the Moon's surface.
These results show that impact glasses on the surface of the Moon and other airless bodies in the solar system are able to store water produced by the solar wind and blast it out into space.
Hu Sen, professor at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and leader of the study
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