New NASA research provided evidence that the amount of water supplied to Earth by meteorites may not have been significant. The researchers discovered this using a novel method for studying the Moon’s surface.
The question of how Earth’s water formed has always been a mystery. Research previously showed that meteorites may have supplied a significant amount of Earth’s water. But a new NASA study shows otherwise.
For the study, the researchers used a novel method to analyze lunar regolith obtained from the Apollo missions. Lunar regolith is the dusty debris that covers the Moon’s surface. The method used involved oxygen-isotope measurements.
Scientists have previously relied on analyzing metal-loving elements. But this method is unreliable because repeated impacts on the Moon can contaminate and mix up these elements over time. The oxygen-isotope method, on the other hand, takes advantage of the fact that oxygen is not affected by external forces. And, oxygen is the dominant element by mass in rocks.
From the study, the researchers found that the amount of water the late meteorites (meteorites that arrived on Earth after about four billion years ago) carried was significant for the Moon. But when placed on an Earth-ocean scale, the results imply that it was insignificant for Earth.
This study was published in the Proceedings to the National Academy of Sciences. Scientists are intrigued by how much the samples that were collected more than 50 years ago have been able to tell them. They now look forward to samples that will come from future missions like Artemis III.
Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 365 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024
I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.
Chibuike Okpara, 2026-01-29 (Update: 2026-01-29)
