What makes the south pole the top priority?

Wherever you go this week, the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission is the only topic of discussion. From Whatsapp status to Instagram stories, the pictures of the Indian flag on the moon speaks volumes

Yes, with the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission, India not only made history because it became the fourth nation to successfully land on the moon — after the Soviet Union, the US and China — but also because it named India the first to land at the southern lunar pole.

But ever wondered what makes the moon’s south pole such a coveted region? 

Let us look into it through these fun pointers:

1. To begin with, one has to understand that all previous attempts on the moon have been made through its equator. What makes the south pole so tricky is the fact that it is the southernmost point on the lunar surface at 90°S.
2. Scientists around the world are interested in the south pole due to the occurrence of water-ice in the permanently shadowed craters. There is water indeed on the moon!
3. Another reason for the south pole landing being a tough nut to crack is the fact this region is full with unexplored deep craters. The south pole does not get constant sunlight and as a result, most of the craters are cold traps where temperatures drop down to minus 270 degrees.
4.  These craters are believed to contain hydrogen and water-ice among other chemical substances whose research may help scientists unlock many mysteries of the solar system. 

Indeed, the entire nation salutes the scientists at ISRO whose unwavering commitment and sheer genius have made a dream for other nations but a reality for India. Literally, “India is on the moon!”