Vikram lander observes temperature variation on lunar surface, records high of 70 degree Celsius
Bengaluru, Aug 27: ISRO on Sunday released a graph of the temperature variation on the lunar surface and a senior scientist of the space agency expressed surprise over the high temperature recorded on the Moon.
The national space agency said Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) payload onboard Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander measured the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole to understand the thermal behaviour of the Moon's surface.
"Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander. ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's surface," ISRO said in an update on social media platform 'X'.
Speaking about the graphic illustration, ISRO scientist B H M Darukesha told PTI: "We all believed that the temperature could be somewhere around 20 degree centigrade to 30 degree centigrade on the surface but it is 70 degree centigrade. This is surprisingly higher than what we had expected."
The space agency said the payload has a temperature probe equipped with a controlled penetration mechanism capable of reaching a depth of 10 centimetres beneath the surface.
"The probe is fitted with 10 individual temperature sensors. The presented graph illustrates the temperature variations of the lunar surface/near-surface at various depths, as recorded during the probe's penetration. This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole. Detailed observations are underway," ISRO said in a statement.
Scientist Darukesha explained, "When we go two to three centimetres inside the Earth, we hardly see two to three degree centigrade variation whereas there (in Moon), it is about 50 degree centigrade variation. This is something interesting."
The temperature dips to minus 10 degree Celsius below the lunar surface, the senior scientist said, adding that the variation is from 70 degree Celsius to minus 10 degree Celsius.
ISRO said the ChaSTE payload was developed by a team led by the Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) of the space agency's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in collaboration with Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.
India on August 23 scripted history as ISRO's ambitious third Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar surface, making it only the fourth country to accomplish the feat, and first to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's only natural satellite.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the spot where Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander touched down would henceforth be called 'Shiv Shakti Point', and the site where the Chandrayaan-2 lander crash-landed on the Moon's surface in 2019 would be known as 'Tiranga Point'.
Besides, August 23 would be celebrated as 'National Space Day' to mark the day when Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface, Modi said.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
— ISRO (@isro) August 27, 2023
Here are the first observations from the ChaSTE payload onboard Vikram Lander.
ChaSTE (Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment) measures the temperature profile of the lunar topsoil around the pole, to understand the thermal behaviour of the moon's… pic.twitter.com/VZ1cjWHTnd
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Kerala CM expresses concern over conflict in Gulf region, urges expatriates to stay alert
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday expressed concern over the escalating crisis in the Gulf region and conveyed Kerala’s solidarity with the Gulf nations and their people.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan said the developments in the Gulf were causing deep anxiety in Kerala, noting that the region is like a second home to lakhs of Malayalis whose hard work and sweat have shaped its growth.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that almost every household in Kerala has at least one person connected to the Gulf,” he said.
The chief minister expressed hope that peace and stability would prevail in the Gulf countries and that their leaders would overcome the crisis through wise decisions based on humanity and mutual understanding.
He urged expatriates to strictly follow the instructions issued by the authorities and local administrations in the countries where they reside.
He also asked them to remain in constant contact with Indian embassies and consulates and to rely only on official information.
Vijayan cautioned against believing or spreading baseless news and rumours and appealed to people not to circulate content that could create unnecessary panic, whether through social media or other means.
Stating that Malayalis have always overcome crises by standing united with mutual care and solidarity, he said such unity was essential at this juncture as well.
The state government stands in full support of expatriates and their families in Kerala, he said, adding that in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, the government is intervening at all possible levels to ensure their safety.
He also said NORKA Roots under the state government is actively involved in providing necessary assistance and requested members of the Loka Kerala Sabha in Gulf countries to continue their engagement in the efforts.
