NASA changes moon crater target

BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- NASA has shifted its moon crater target to Cabeus from the previously targeted Cabeus A in the hunt for hidden water, the space agency stated Monday.

The moon rises over Cairo, September 10, 2009.  (Xinhua/Reuters  File Photo)

NASA's LCROSS probe and its spent Centaur rocket stage will now aim towards the large crater Cabeus when they slam into the moon on Oct. 9.

By continuously analyzing data from recent moon-watching spacecraft, scientists found that the new target Cabeus has the highest concentration of hydrogen - an indication of possible water ice - than anywhere else at the lunar south pole.

　"NASA's LCROSS team concluded that Cabeus provided the best chance for meeting its mission goals," mission managers said in an announcement.

Scientists announced last Thursday that they had found evidence of water molecules on the surface of the moon.