Moon experts find signs of water

The team's findings will be used by astronauts exploring the moon

A team of scientists at Durham University have said that water may exist on the moon.

Lunar ice could be hidden in polar craters, untouched by the sun's rays.

Their findings mean that the moon could provide water for astronauts who want to build a manned base there, allowing further exploration.

Dr Vincent Eke, who is leading the investigation, said there could be 200,000 million litres of water in the moon's cavities.

Moon rock

The group analysed data from a space probe that was sent to the moon by the US space agency, Nasa, in 1998.

They found high concentrations of hydrogen on polar craters, where temperatures are colder than minus 170C.

The hydrogen could have combined with oxygen present in moon rock to make water.

Dr Eke did warn that there could be no water ice on the moon at all.

Instead, hydrogen could take the form of protons being fired from the sun into the dusty lunar surface.

The data they collected will be used to assist missions by Nasa astronauts, who will target specific areas in the search for lunar ice.

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