Rich Silvery Moon with Water-Ice Confirmed

Lunar soil is richer than previously thought, with traces of silver among the complex mix of elements and compounds found within one of the moon's craters, according to a new study.

Researchers at Brown University who analyzed particles of lunar dust kicked up by a NASA-engineered collision last year found a surprisingly rich mixture that, in addition to the silver, included water and compounds like hydroxyl, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and free sodium.

The LRO impact data confirmed a splash of sorts --- results revealing lots of water in a crater where the sun never shines — 41 gallons of ice and vapor — were measured. More from NASA, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, and Science Friday.