Chandrayaan-3's First Experiment Results Are In; Here Is What It Found

Initial findings from the experiments conducted by Chandrayaan-3 instruments have revealed a rapid drop in temperature on the lunar surface, particularly near the south pole.

ISRO has reported that the Chandra's Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), an instrument on the lander module, has recorded a significant decrease in temperature in the topsoil of the moon.

At a depth of just 10 cm below the surface, the temperature dropped to approximately -10 degrees Celsius, while the surface temperature was around 45 degrees Celsius.

One of the objectives of the ongoing experiments conducted by Chandrayaan-3 was to create a temperature profile of the lunar topsoil.

"This is the first such profile for the lunar south pole," ISRO said. Detailed observations are said to be underway.

ISRO explained that the ChaSTE instrument is equipped with a temperature probe and a controlled penetration mechanism capable of reaching a depth of 10 cm below the surface. The probe is fitted with ten individual temperature sensors.

ISRO's measurements provide the first temperature profile of the lunar south pole. However, the space agency stated that more detailed studies are currently being conducted to further investigate this phenomenon.

The Chandrayaan-3 lander module carries four instruments, while the rover has two. Additionally, the propulsion module in orbit around the moon is equipped with one instrument.