Posted on 10/08/2011 6:15:07 PM PDT by decimon
A new map of the Moon has revealed an abundance of titanium ore that is up to 10 times richer than on Earth, a finding that could one day lead to a lunar mining colony, astronomers said on Friday.
The discovery was made thanks to a camera aboard the US Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which swept the surface of the Moon, scrutinising it in seven different light wavelengths.
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"Lunar titanium is mostly found in the mineral ilmenite, a compound containing iron, titanium and oxygen," they said.
"Future miners living and working on the Moon could break down ilmenite to liberate these elements.
"In addition, Apollo data shows that titanium-rich minerals are more efficient at retaining particles from the solar wind, such as helium and hydrogen. These gases would also provide a vital resource for future human inhabitants of lunar colonies."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Yeah, future miners "could" but it won't be anytime soon and they won't be speaking American English.
The PLA will be the ones exploiting the find. Maybe they will sell us some.
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They already are... along with the Russians - just not the lunar variety.
Yeah, future miners “could” but it won’t be anytime soon and they won’t be speaking American English.
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You are assuming that these future miners can get permits from the current non-American English speaking mine owners ...
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