Chandrayaan-3 Data shows 60°C temp difference on Moon, potential for subsurface habitats
Based on data from the ChaSTE payload on the Chandrayaan-3 lander, an yet-to-published research found an enormous temperature difference of approximately 60 degrees Celsius between the lunar surface and barely 10 centimeters within it. According to a senior scientist of the Indian Space and Research Organization (Isro), the extreme heat non-conductivity of the lunar surface may make it possible to build temperature-controlled dwellings beneath it.
Researchers are examining whether long-term habitation on Earth's satellite is feasible as well as whether the moon can function as a base for deep space travel.
The lander of the Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) was equipped with a thermometer that was inserted 10 cm into the lunar regolith, which is composed of mineral pieces, rock chips, and lunar soil. Ten sensors, spaced one centimeter apart, were used by the device to measure the temperature in this layer at various points.
Ten sensors are mounted on it to record the temperature over a ten-day period at various depths. As the sun moved across the area, we could see how the temperature varied at different depths, the Isro scientist stated.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission was designed to allow all of the experiments to run for almost the whole time; one lunar day is equal to fourteen Earth days.
A live thermal conductivity test was conducted ten days later. "A heater was positioned at a depth of roughly 8 cm on the eighth sensor. After 10 days, we switched on the heater to observe how the regolith absorbed the heat. The sensors recorded the drop in temperature after the heater was turned on for four hours and then turned off. The scientist stated, "That gave us the first information about the actual thermal conductivity of the moon," and that the report would be published shortly.
The experiment demonstrated that the moon's surface was entirely non-conductive, according to the experts. "I can utilize it as a heat blanket for a human habitat if it is non-conducting. The scientist compared it to using a blanket on cold winter evenings. "Any heat generated inside will remain trapped, even though the outside temperature may be low," the scientist added. The stark temperature difference, which can range from 121 degrees Celsius during the day to -133 degrees Celsius at night, is one of the difficulties faced by lunar missions. Temperatures as low as -246 degrees Celsius have also been recorded in deep craters.
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Delhi L-G slams Kejriwal, says calling Atishi 'temporary CM' insult to president
New Delhi, Dec 30: Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday expressed concern over AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal labelling Atishi a "temporary chief minister" and called it a "flagrant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution".
In a letter to the chief minister, Saxena said Kejriwal's remark was an insult to President Droupadi Murmu, who appointed her, as well as himself as her representative.
"A few days ago, when your predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, publicly declared you as a temporary or stopgap chief minister in the media, I found this highly objectionable, and I was hurt by it. This was not only an insult to you but also to the president of India, and to me, in my capacity as her representative," Saxena said.
"The public explanation given by Kejriwal regarding the temporary or stopgap nature of your position has no constitutional provision and is a flagrant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution created by BR Ambedkar," he added.
Saxena also praised Atishi for working on addressing various administrative issues after taking charge.
"During my two-and-a-half years of tenure, I have witnessed the person occupying the position of chief minister actually performing the duties of the chief minister," Saxena wrote to Atishi.
The lieutenant governor also extended his new year greetings to her.
"While your predecessor had no department under his charge and did not sign files, you have taken on the responsibility of various departments and have tried to address various administrative issues," he said.
Saxena added the circumstances under which Atishi was made chief minister, the responsibility for failures in completing the various pending works would be attributed to her after her own party's leader declared her as "stopgap".
"The way in which, in your presence, Kejriwal has made unauthorised announcements about senior citizens' and women's schemes in the name of the chief minister has tarnished the dignity of the office of the chief minister and the council of ministers," he said.
Recently, through public notices issued by two Delhi government departments, people were warned to be cautious regarding registration for "non-existent schemes" initiated by the former chief minister, Saxena said in his letter to Atishi.
"This incident is unprecedented and must have undoubtedly been uncomfortable for you," he added.
"However, I also appreciate the departmental officials who, while fulfilling their duties, presented the correct facts to the public regarding the misleading schemes and their registration in the interest of the public," he further said.
Saxena alleged that Kejriwal had been making public statements without any basis or facts, claiming that the transport department and other investigative agencies would probe into Atishi and send her to jail.
"This is not only false but such statements also imply that you are unaware of the activities of the departments working under you. In fact, it has now come to light through newspapers that the additional chief secretary of the transport department has written to inform you that neither any such action is being taken by their department or the vigilance department, nor has there ever been any discussion about it. He has completely rejected Kejriwal's statements, labelling them as baseless and misleading," Saxena said.
"As lieutenant governor, I am concerned about this level of public discourse and, at the same time, hurt by the conversation that portrays the full-time chief minister of my government as a temporary one," he added.
