The Moon May Have Frost

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has discovered potential water ice in craters near the moon's South Pole. Some craters exhibit bright regions with increased reflectance when illuminated by laser pulses from the spacecraft. Temperature readings indicate areas cold enough for water ice to remain stable, suggesting that very cold and bright areas could harbor surface frost.

What has NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter potentially found near the Moon's South Pole?

• Volcanic activity

• Alien life forms

• Possible water ice

• New types of rocks

What characteristic do some craters near the Moon's South Pole exhibit when illuminated by laser pulses?

• They appear darker

• They show increased reflectance

• They emit radio waves

• They change color

Which tool is used to illuminate the craters on the Moon?

• X-ray machine

• Ultraviolet light

• Laser pulses

• Infrared scanner

What do temperature readings reveal about certain areas on the Moon?

• They are hot enough to melt ice

• They are cold enough for water ice to be stable

• They are warmer than expected

• They have fluctuating temperatures

What might very cold and bright areas on the Moon's surface indicate?

• High levels of radiation

• Existence of surface frost

• Presence of metallic minerals

• Presence of volcanic ash