On Sunday, ISRO unveiled data displaying unexpected temperature fluctuations on the lunar surface. A senior researcher from the space organization remarked on the unusually high temperatures recorded on the Moon.
The agency reported that the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) aboard Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander was responsible for gauging the temperature variations in the lunar topsoil near the pole, aiming to grasp the thermal dynamics of the Moon’s exterior.
ISRO shared on social platform ‘X’, “Initial data from the ChaSTE payload on Vikram Lander indicates significant findings. The experiment specifically evaluates temperature dynamics in the lunar topsoil near the pole.”
Commenting on the findings, ISRO’s BHM Darukesha informed PTI, “Initial projections estimated surface temperatures of about 20°C to 30°C. However, a peak of 70°C was observed, which is notably higher than our anticipations.”
It was highlighted that the ChaSTE equipment is equipped with a precision temperature probe, which has the ability to delve 10 centimeters beneath the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
— ISRO (@isro) August 27, 2023
Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander.
ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's… pic.twitter.com/VZ1cjWHTnd
The space organization detailed, “This probe possesses 10 distinct temperature sensors, and the recent graph showcases temperature shifts on and beneath the lunar surface at varying depths, captured during the probe’s insertion. This is a pioneering profile for the lunar south pole, and further in-depth studies are in progress.”
Elaborating on the findings, Scientist Darukesha shared, “On Earth, a mere 2-3°C variation is observed 2-3 centimeters below the surface. On the Moon, the difference is as stark as 50°C, which is indeed intriguing.”
Notably, temperatures plummeted to -10°C beneath the lunar surface, presenting a dramatic fluctuation ranging from 70°C to -10°C.
The development of the ChaSTE instrument is credited to the collective efforts of the Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad.
On August 23, India celebrated a significant milestone when Chandrayaan-3, ISRO’s third lunar expedition, successfully landed on the Moon. This achievement placed India among the elite group of countries to have successfully landed on the lunar surface, and the first to explore the untouched south pole of our sole natural satellite.