NASA is scheduled to announce an "exciting new discovery" about the Moon on Monday, October 26. While details remain under wraps, the agency confirms it will influence the Artemis program.
Speculation is rife, but here's what we know: the breakthrough comes from NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a joint project with the German Aerospace Center developed in the 2000s.
Picture a modified Boeing 747SP carrying a sophisticated infrared telescope positioned between its wings and tail. SOFIA conducts observation flights at altitudes of 12,000 to 13,000 meters—above most atmospheric water vapor—for crystal-clear infrared imaging.
This unique setup has yielded landmark findings, including the first detection of oxygen in Mars' atmosphere and a molecular bond in interstellar space. It also captured this stunning infrared image of the Milky Way's core (below).
Focusing closer to home this time, SOFIA's discovery "contributes to NASA's efforts to learn more about the Moon in support of deep space exploration," per the agency.
The press conference will feature Naseem Rangwala, SOFIA project scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center, and Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist for NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate.
More details emerge Monday, but NASA emphasizes its relevance to Artemis, aiming to return humans to the Moon in 2024 and establish a long-term presence there—not just a brief visit.
In line with this vision, former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine unveiled the Artemis Accords last May to foster a "safe, prosperous, and peaceful" future in space. To date, eight countries have signed on, including Japan (deepening lunar ties), Luxembourg (pioneering space mining laws), the United Arab Emirates and Australia (building space industry partnerships), plus Italy, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
