MOSCOW , Aug 28 Data from the Indian lunar rover «Pragyan» that the temperature of the Moon's surface at its South Pole can reach 60 degrees Celsius are not a sensation, this is consistent with earlier calculations by scientists, said a leading researcher at the Institute of Space research (IKI) RAS Nathan Eismont.
Earlier, the Indian Space Research Organization reported that the Pragyan lunar rover transmitted the first data on the temperature of different layers of the lunar surface. According to a chart published by the organization, the surface temperature of the Earth satellite can reach 60 degrees Celsius.
«Actually, this is within the expected limits. There is no outstanding discovery here. Somewhere it may be close to the limits that were determined from observations from the Earth, but this is definitely not a sensation,» Eismont said.
India was the first in the world to successfully land a spacecraft on the south pole of the moon on 23 August. The unmanned space station Chandrayaan-3 was launched into space on July 14 and entered lunar orbit on August 5. The Vikram descent module separated from the station on August 17 and performed two deorbiting operations before landing. The Indian Space Research Organization also reported that the Indian lunar rover Pragyan, delivered on Wednesday to the south pole of the moon aboard the Vikram lander, left the surface of the Earth's natural satellite.