Q: What is Pragyan and what was its
mission?
A: Pragyan is a small, six-wheeled
rover that was part of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission. It successfully landed on
the Moon's south pole on August 23, 2023. Its mission was to explore the lunar
surface, analyze the soil, and send valuable data back to Earth.
Q: What significant finding did
Pragyan recently make?
A: Pragyan discovered a type of rock
called ferroan anorthosite in the lunar soil. This finding supports the theory
that the moon was once covered by a vast ocean of magma billions of years ago.
Q: How did Pragyan make this
discovery?
A: Pragyan used its Alpha Particle
X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) instrument to study the lunar soil. The APXS fires
X-rays and alpha particles at the soil, and by analyzing the way these
particles are reflected, scientists can determine the chemical and mineral
composition of the soil.
Q: Why is this discovery important?
A: This discovery provides further
evidence for the theory that the moon was formed from a collision between the
early Earth and another planetary body. It also highlights the importance of
on-site lunar exploration, as orbiters cannot provide the same level of detail
about the moon's surface composition.
Q: What other discoveries has
Pragyan made?
A: Besides ferroan anorthosite,
Pragyan also found evidence of other minerals and elements in the lunar soil,
including sulphur and magnesium. These findings are helping scientists to
understand the moon's geological history and its potential resources.
Q: What is the future of lunar
exploration?
A: The success of Chandrayaan-3 and
Pragyan's discoveries have paved the way for further lunar exploration.
Scientists are eager to study the moon's south pole in more detail, as it is
believed to harbor water ice that could be used for future human settlements.
India's next lunar mission, Chandrayaan-4, is already in the works and is
expected to launch in the coming years.
Q: How will Pragyan's data continue
to benefit science even though the rover is no longer active?
A: The data collected by Pragyan
during its mission is being analyzed by scientists around the world. This data
is expected to lead to new insights into the moon's formation, evolution, and
potential resources. Even though the rover is no longer active, its legacy will
continue to contribute to our understanding of the moon for years to come.