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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Axar shifts focus to next IPL after KKR all but end DC's campaign
New Delhi (PTI): A beleaguered Axar Patel admitted that both his team's batters and bowlers let the side down after Delhi Capitals suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, virtually ending their IPL 2026 playoff hopes, while indicating the team had already begun looking ahead to the next season.
DC endured a miserable outing at home, managing only 142/8, which Kolkata Knight Riders chased down in just 14.2 overs, powered by a blistering unbeaten 100 from Finn Allen and his destructive stand with Cameron Green (33 not out) as the visitors tore apart the bowling attack.
With just eight points from 11 matches, DC are eighth on the table, while KKR revived their playoff hopes with a resurgent run, moving to seventh with nine points from 10 outings, though their road to the knockouts still remains difficult.
"For now, we'll go back and think about the mistakes we made. After that, obviously there's still a long journey ahead and next year will come too. So we'll think about what plans we can make for next year and what approach we should take," said Axar after the match.
"Based on that, we can also look at the players sitting on the bench and decide who can be given opportunities and what changes we can make," he added, hinting at a possible major overhaul next season.
With 200-plus totals becoming the norm this season, 142 was always going to be inadequate, and Axar admitted the score was well below par while also pointing out at poor judgement shown by the spinners while defending the modest total.
"I think the runs were definitely below par and at the same time the spinners made quite a few mistakes. Looking at the way the pitch behaved, I feel the spinners did make errors.
"At the same time, we lost five wickets in two-three overs, and I think that's where the momentum slipped away from us. That's probably something we need to think about because the same thing happened against CSK...we started well, and then suddenly wickets kept falling," he added.
He admitted the solutions to the issues could be found but players need to show the right mindset and character.
"See, you can't solve it in a complicated way. So, I think it's more about applying the right mindset. Even if you lose one or two wickets, you can still spend time at the crease and play through it. I think that's what needs to be applied, when wickets are falling in clusters, you need to absorb the pressure for an over or two," opined Axar.
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane was pleased to see a struggling Finn Allen finally rediscover his touch with the bat.
"I'm really happy for Finn Allen. He was struggling first four or five games, working really hard, but the way he batted tonight was fantastic. But I want to praise our bowlers again.
"We did well because of them. And they've been doing it so well consistently, especially those middle overs and the death overs. Our spinners, Sunil Narine, Varun (Chakravarthy) and Anukul Roy, have been fantastic," he said.
"Fielding-wise, yes, we are working really hard. Our fielding coach has been really strict with us. And that's what has been helping us. The result which you've been seeing about the catches and the ground fielding, credit goes to our fielding coach as well," he added.
