Which of the following elements was detected in significant abundance on the Moon for the first time by Chandrayaan-2 in October 2022?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Sodium.
In October 2022, India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting sodium in abundance on the Moon's surface for the first time. This was achieved using the X-ray Spectrometer aboard the orbiter, which was designed to analyze the Moon’s composition by detecting signatures of various elements.
The discovery of sodium is significant because it contributes to our understanding of the Moon's exosphere, the extremely thin layer of gases surrounding it. Until now, sodium had only been observed in trace amounts or indirectly through telescopic observations. Chandrayaan-2’s data provided direct evidence and spatial mapping of the element, especially along the lunar day side.
Other Options :
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Hydrogen – Previously mapped by other missions, including Chandrayaan-1.
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Chlorine – Not confirmed in significant amounts on the Moon.
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Oxygen – Present in oxides, but not newly discovered in 2022.