For decades, the moon was seen as a barren, bone-dry world with no atmosphere, no liquid water, no magnetic shield, and extreme swings in temperature. The idea that it could ever support life seemed far-fetched. But recent discoveries are changing that view.
Thanks to new space missions and advanced analysis of lunar rocks and soil, scientists have found surprising signs of water—not just on the surface, but deep within. Some studies suggest the moon’s interior may hold as much water as Earth’s upper mantle, urging scientists to rethink its history and potential.
In this gallery, explore the latest discoveries that are transforming our understanding of the moon and revealing its unexpected potential to support life, whether in the distant past, the present, or the possibilities of the future. Click on for more.