November 13, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - NASA scientists confirmed the existence of water on the moon Friday, and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) astrophysicist Perry Gerakines, Ph.D., says the discovery could make extended-stay bases for human exploration on the Lunar surface a real possibility.

"Water opens up so many possibilities, whether using it for sustaining life or turning it into fuel to power mechanical devices," Gerakines says. "This is a major discovery as it relates to the future of space travel and exploration."

On Oct. 9, NASA launched a rocket into the moon in an effort to locate water just below the lunar surface. According to published reports Friday, scientists who analyzed images of the blast site say more than 24 gallons of water were released when the so-called LCROSS rocket slammed into the moon, kicking up debris and creating a crater more than 60 feet wide.

"Part of the problem with traveling to the moon is that you have to bring everything with you because there are not many resources for you to make use of at your destination," Gerakines says. "But finding water on the moon solves many of these problems because you don't need to carry water and some other related materials with you."

"With water available on the moon, real discussion about establishing lunar bases can begin," he says. "Bases on the moon could then serve as a launch point for missions exploring other planets and deeper parts of space."

About UAB

The UAB Department of Physics is located within the UAB School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. It offers courses in astronomy, physical science, and physics for non-majors; several undergraduate program options, including an honors physics program, biophysics track and a physics education track for physics majors planning an interdisciplinary career; and graduate programs.