NASA Finds Water on the Moon November 13, 2009
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In early October, NASA’s Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) watched as its launch vehicle crashed into its targeted location on the Moon. Since then, scientists have been working around the clock analyzing the cloud of dust generated by the impact.
Earlier today, NASA released their findings: there is solid confirmation that water does indeed exist on the Moon. The poles of the moon do not receive much sunlight and thus are very cold — not much above absolute zero. This forms a “cold trap”, that preserves volatile chemicals that might otherwise heat up and escape into space. So here we have an opportunity to learn more about what the Moon and Earth were like billions of years ago.
Beyond the scientific curiosity, water on the Moon means future astronauts may have a source of drinking water. In my favorite Robert Heinlein novel, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, future Lunar colonists revolt, primarily so they are no longer forced to ship their limited water resources back to Earth. The premise that water could be actually mined on the Moon now seems to be a possibility after all.
We Choose the Moon July 20, 2009
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Buzz Aldrin leaves his mark
Today is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. I have been follow the progress “live” on WeChooseTheMoon.com.
The site looks great in Firefox 3.5 — I am also using the NASA Night Launch theme for Firefox. It is a favorite of mine because I think the white on black design is easier on the eyes.
What a thrill it was to watch the lunar landings. Imagine being stuffed into that little tin can and shot into the sky on top of a 25-story rocket. It’s been 40 years, but I am still in awe of the accomplishment.
Apollo 11 Liftoff July 16, 2009
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Apollo Command Module atop the Saturn V Rocket
Forty years ago today, Apollo 11 began its historic manned mission to the moon. I remember being glued to the TV waiting for the final countdown. That countdown would often be in “holding” mode while NASA fixed some sort of problem. During those long delays, Walter Cronkite’s comforting voice would present facts and stories about the mission. All the while, the TV would cycle through the same shots of mission control and Saturn V rocket spewing clouds of vapor.
When the countdown resumes, there is a flurry of “go”s and the excitement is almost unbearable. This has to be considered the most historic voyage of all time — when humanity breaks its bond with its home planet and ventures to another world. As the countdown approaches 8 seconds, they announce “ignition sequence started” — at that point nothing can halt the launch. My heart was running at maximum. A few seconds later, Neil Armstrong’s voice gives a casual status report as if going to the moon is something he does every day. I continue to be impressed with how professionally the crew performed their mission.
I got to relive a little of that day with a visit to Cape Canaveral. For me, the highlight of the tour was walking beneath an unused Saturn V rocket. Standing in its giant shadow gives a greater appreciation for the enormity of the project. If you’re ever in that area, I recommend spending a day a away from the normal tourist traps and taking a little side trip to history.
