Scientists have known for decades that our moon had water on the surface, but they kept trying to confirm it with samples from several trips to the moon long ago, and the Hubble telescope. As the idea of lunar bases on the moon, and even colonization of the moon, is being reintroduced scientists at NASA are treating this as a new discovery. In fact, they’ve know all this for decades, and only now are they talking in detail about it, because funding is needed for a moon base that will act as a stepping stone to get us to the real goal, Mars.

Scientists say the moon has oxygen, water, and hydrogen three which can be used to sustain life, and be used as fuel for energy.

A moon base raises several questions. Is the United States going to claim the moon its territory? Are other countries going to be invited to participate, and help pay for the base? Will the moon be used for military or peaceful purposes? So many questions.

Check out the cool new video that was just made about the moon.