Water on the lunar surface

 While the search for water on planets is still on, the hydrogen-oxygen compound which ultimately becomes the source of life was discovered on a very unlikely candidate- the moon. In earlier stages of space research, the moon was always considered to be dry and barren space rock, owing to its lack of atmosphere, harsh temperatures and environment. But stillwater was on the planet, bound or solidified into other structures. 

Most of the lunar water is in the form of ice (frozen lakes in craters) or bound in solidified volcanic rocks.

A theory suggests that solar winds impacted positively charged hydrogen ions on the lunar surface. This created water (as hydroxyl (OH-) and molecular (H2O)). But a new study suggests we should not be giving all the credit to the mighty Sun. Our very own planet might have played a role in it.

According to the new study, planets have the potential to seed their natural satellites with water. So, Earth might be the reason why water formed on the moon.

Maps by India's Chandrayaan-1 were analysed to reveal that doesn't actually happen. Instead of influencing loss of water, the magnetosphere influences something called the 'earth winds' that helps in replenishing any water loss.

Using Kaguya satellite, researchers observed high concentrations of oxygen isotopes during the full moon which leaked out of Earth's ozone layer. These get embedded in lunar soil along with hydrogen ions from Earth's exosphere. They also noticed the combined flows of magnetosphere particles is starkly different than solar winds. Therefore, the magnetosphere creates something like a 'water bridge' to keep replenishing the moon with water. There it remains frozen mostly due to the surface environment.