Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice but was unable to prevent Milan dropping points for the first time this season as they drew 3-3 with Roma. AC Milan 3:3 Roma

Ibrahimovic, 39, fired Milan ahead before Edin Dzeko headed in an equaliser soon after.

Alexis Saelemaekers restored Milan's lead but Roma equalised again through a Jordan Veretout penalty.

Ibrahimovic made it 3-2 as he converted from the spot but Marash Kumbulla equalised late on.

The point extends Milan's lead over Napoli at the top of Serie A to two points.

Swedish striker Ibrahimovic, who recovered from coronavirus earlier this month, has scored six goals in five games so far this season.

Earlier on Monday, Milan announced that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had tested positive for coronavirus and he was replaced in the side by veteran Ciprian Tatarusanu, who was at fault for the first Roma goal.


Match Stats

Home Team: AC Milan Away Team:Roma

Possession
Home:54% Away:46%

Shots
Home:13 Away:12

Shots on Target
Home:8 Away:7

Corners
Home:7 Away:7

Fouls
Home:14 Away:15


#bbcsports

Mourinho gives ex-Tottenham boss Pochettino credit for match-winning Kane-Son partnership

The current Spurs boss paid tribute to his predecessor as the in-form duo made headlines yet again for their seemingly telepathic understanding
Jose Mourinho has praised former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino for his role in the flourishing deadly attacking partnership between Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

Kane and Son once again combined to score the winning goal as Spurs downed a stubborn Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor on Monday night.

The duo have now combined to score 29 goals in the Premier League, which ranks them only seven strikes behind Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba as the most prolific pairing in the competition's history.

Kane-Son closing in on Drogba-Lampard’s Premier League record
Watford’s Troost-Ekong lauds Ivic’s communication skills
Aubameyang has declined since signing new Arsenal contract – Bent

When asked why the connection between Kane and Son was so profound, Mourinho was quick to credit Pochettino for establishing the initial connection, but did point out the England international was playing in a different position.


"It is an understanding that comes from Mauricio's time," Mourinho said.

"I don't want all the credit myself, let's share with Mauricio. They played together for a long time, probably a different way because Harry is not always a nine now.

"What pleases me more about them both is that they are two top players but close friends, no jealousy, they both play for the team.

"Credit to them, two great players, two great boys."

Pochettino, who was replaced by Mourinho as Spurs manager in November last year, oversaw Kane's rise to becoming a world-class striker, while also bringing Son to the club from Leverkusen in 2015.

The star Tottenham attackers' combination against Burnley was one of their more unusual, with the usual deft pass by foot replaced by Kane using his head to flick Lamela's corner to the back post, where Son arrrived unmarked to fire his own header into the net.

Mourinho admitted his team's rhythm during the 90 minutes was below what he desired, but crecited Sean Dyche's Burnley with making things difficult for a side that has scored a total of 20 goals in their last five games.


"My players didn't play the quality football that we want but that was because of Burnley, not because of us," Mourinho said.

"Second half, the game was much more under control. I had some question marks and some doubts because this is the kind of match that if you take too many risks you can lose it.

"I know Sean, I know the difficulties he can bring to the best attacking teams. He's very clever, he plays with what he has and he gave us what I was expecting – a very difficult match."

#goal

Hoodlums Burn Abakaliki Central Police Station

COVID-19 Palliatives: – I Forgive My Accusers – Sadiya Farouq

Sadiya Umar Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has said that she has forgiven those who accused her of hiding COVID-19 palliatives meant for the poor.

Farouq stated this while fielding questions from journalists in Gusau on Monday.

“I’m aware many people have made various spurious allegations and accusations against my person and my ministry over the way we distributed Federal Government palliatives to cushion the effect of COVID-19.

“I have always said I am carrying out my duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability and with fairness to all parts of the country.

“Now that they have realized their mistakes, l will only pray to God to forgive us all,” she maintained.

NAN reports that the minister had earlier paid homage to the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, where the monarch appealed to the federal government to take a second look at the security situation in the state.

“The federal government should support the state in opening more access roads to expose the hideouts of criminal elements and give security operatives easier access to counter all terrorists.

“We should also be considered for more federal appointments because currently, we only have one permanent federal secretary.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to support all federal government programmes geared towards improving the wellbeing of the people,” the emir said.

#dailypost

Nigerian Woman Stabs Her Boyfriend To Death In India During Argument (Graphic)


Police has arrested a Nigerian woman, Oge Florence for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend, also a Nigerian, to death during a heated argument in India, Igbere TV reports.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Sunday, October 25, at their home in New Delhi.

The victim identified has been identified as Obinna from Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Confirming the incident, a source told Igbere TV that the couple had a heated argument which led Oge to stab him in the chest with a knife.






A friend of the deceased, Don Mikky shared videos from the scene showing the suspect being led away by the police, adding that he had repeatedly warned Obinna to focus on making money instead of love.

He wrote; "Obinna see what you did to yourself I personal told you that this is india we came here to find money not to find love. if is true that this girl is the one that killed you that means you are a fool you did not do like real Uli son from Ihiala L. G. A. Shame to you wherever you are I will stop here.''

#facebook

WIKE URGES COUNCIL CHAIRMEN, YOUTHS TO FISH OUT IPOB MEMBERS

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has charged the 23 council chairmen, and youths in the state to fish members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples Organisation of Biafra (IPO in the State.

Governor has also warned that any council chairman that allows IPOB to hold processions and hoist its flag within their jurisdiction in Rivers State, risk sack.

He made this assertion during a meeting with all the 23 Local Government chairmen, Community Development Committees and youths leaders at the Government House, in Port Harcourt on Monday.

The governor described Rivers state as the most accommodating state for all Nigerians. To buttress this, he stated that here has never been any historical incident of different ethnic groups clashing in the State as has been the witnessed in other parts of the country.

"We can never be against any ethnic group. We can never do that .we have lived in harmony with the Ibos, the Hausas, and with Edo people. Everybody that comes to this state we have lived in harmony with. And so Nigerians must commend Rivers State as a place where you have never had problem between this group and that group " he said.

Governor Wike, however, maintained that while the people of Rivers State believe in the unity of the country, they will not allow criminals under the aegis of a terrorist group called IPOB to continue to threaten the stability of the state.

"There is one terrorist group they call IPOB. I did not declare them terrorist group, the court declared them terrorist group. Not me. The federal government declared them a terrorist group. IPOB cannot use Rivers state to be place where they will be launching attack. If you allow that, your future, your children's future is gone" he said .

Infuriated by IPOB's effrontery to hoist its flag in Oyigbo, the governor directed the council chairman to ensure there will not be another occurrence of this treasonous act.

"Go to Oyigbo and see what they have done. Destroyed the court. What did the court do? See the soldiers they killed and burnt them. See the policemen they killed and burnt them and then you said people will sit and fold their arms".

The governor, while calling for vigilance on the part of Rivers people, however, warned sternly that IPOB members should not delude themselves because Rivers state cannot be colonised or annexed by any group, particularly, while he is still the incumbent governor of the State.

He asserted that Rivers state can never be annexed to any state, to any zone. According to him, Rivers state is Niger Delta and will remain in Niger Delta.

He explained that while every Nigerian is allowed to reside in Rivers State, but those who wish to do so must live in peace with the people of the State.

"Ibos are living and doing their business here and they will continue to live and do their business here. We support that.
But that terrorist group call IPOB, cannot determine what happens in our state. To tell us where they own. It will never happen and we must not allow it to happen".

Governor Wike charged all chairmen of councils, youth leaders, CDCs to go into their various communities and identify all those IPOB members. He has meanwhile emphasied that nobody of Ibos extraction legitimately residing and doing business in the state must be harassed.

"But there are criminal elements that we must not allow, and the criminal elements are those who said they are IPOB members. Federal government has proscribed them, I have proscribed them" he said .

He called on the people to defend the territory of Rivers State and ensure no part of the State is annexed by a criminal organisation or terrorist organization.

"We cannot allow it. All our vigilantee groups must be encouraged. Everybody must be at alert. Work with the security agencies to make sure nothing call IPOB exist in this state. No procession. Not even a meeting anywhere. Identify where they hold meeting" he said

Rivers State Commissioner of Youth Development, Hon. Ohia Prince Obi, lauded the governor for interfacing with the youths as this will give them a sense of belonging in the affairs of the State.

The chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria in Rivers State , Chijoke Ihunwo, appeal to Governor Wike for clemency for wanted , Stanley Mgbere, who led IPOB members to attack the palace of the king of Onne, was rejected.

Kelvin Ebiri

Special Assistant (media)to the Governor

26 October, 2020.


#punchng

Lekki Shooting: We Have Records Of Two Deaths - Gov Sanwo-Olu tells CNN (Video)

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over the weekend, had an interview with CNN journalist, Becky Anderson where he stated that only two deaths have so far been recorded in the gunfire incident that rocked the #EndSARS protest at the Lekki tollgate on Tuesday, October 20, IgbereTV reports.

He said so far no family member of deceased persons have come out to make any complaints that their loved one died in the incident. He also stated that there are no bloodstains at the scene of the incident.

Two dead bodies. That's what we've seen from all the morgues, that's what we've seen going to hospitals, that's what we've seen as records. What has happened is that there have been so many footages that people have shown but we have not seen dead bodies, we have not seen relatives, we have not seen anybody coming up to say indeed I am a father or mother to someone and I cannot find the person. Nobody has come .

I have been round and there is no splash of blood anywhere there.

He averred that the CCTV footage shows that men in military uniforms carried out the shooting. When asked if people will be held accountable for the attack, he said

''They certainly would...we will do everything to ensure they are held accountable''

When Anderson informed him that the question she asked was simple and that it was basically to know if those behind the attack will be held accountable, Governor Sanwo-Olu said

“I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces; I am Governor of a State. The report would be out and we would channel the report to all the relevant authorities in the state to ensure that every one that is found culpable is accountable for the act.” he said.

#EndSARS

Watch the video from the interview below.

Beyond The Protests: Towards A New Future For Nigerian Youths - Charles Soludo

By Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR

For some obvious reasons, I have resisted the pressure to join the fray in the past two weeks. My children, especially my daughter who had been a victim of the harassment and extortion by SARS, were up in solidarity with their colleagues in protesting against police brutality. Peaceful protests and agitation are critical ingredients of a living democracy and should be encouraged. I reflected upon my personal experiences as a student activist in mobilizing peaceful protests against government policies especially during the anti-SAP protests or ASUU/NLC strikes, and prayed that Nigeria should rise up and exploit the opportunity inherent in the current seeming national tragedy. I have been protesting for a better Nigeria since I was 19 years old, and as an activist intellectual protesting against the imposition of structural adjustment programmes on poor African countries, I have published many books and journal articles on how Africans must confidently take their destiny in their hands to secure a prosperous future. Given the enormity of the events of the past weeks, I believe that as a citizen, I have a duty _(aside from possible private advisory to the FGN)_ to share preliminary thoughts on the raging national conversation.

Over the past two weeks, I have watched with heightened trepidations the horrifying videos about the protests on social media and the unfortunate events that unfolded. I have been deeply saddened by the colossal costs in terms of lost lives and properties as well as the humongous blow to an already dreadful economy. Let me extend my deepest condolences to the families of the protesters and the law enforcement agents that lost their lives in the course of these events. We also sympathize with the innocent citizens and businesses whose properties have been destroyed, shops looted, vehicles and houses burnt, etc. Given the poor insurance system, these loses can be permanent with lifetime pains to the victims— most of whom are still the same youths. We condemn violence of any kind as part of democratic agitation or from law enforcement agents. Since my student days, I have always insisted that violence, arson, looting, vandalism or any form of criminality should not be part of civilized protest or conversation.

These events led me to review my public lecture of 1st October, 2019 entitled *“Economic and Institutional Restructuring for the Next Nigeria”* which in some sense addressed some of the additional issues _(beyond the initial five)_ raised by the protesters. In that lecture I highlighted several of our huge challenges and fault-lines, including the fact that in a few decades, Nigeria is estimated to be home to over 400 million mostly youthful population but without a credible plan for their future, in a post-oil world and the 4th industrial revolution. That future is what I called “the next Nigeria” and called for an emergency “national” rather than narrower federal government response as you can’t clap with one hand. My thesis was that our current foundation cannot secure that future since, as I argued then: *“you can’t build a 100 storey-building upon a foundation of an old bungalow”

As I ponder the events of the past weeks and the future of our youths, I am convinced that this is the time for that deeper and structured national conversation about the future of our youths. Our children and youths constitute the bridge to the future, and their future is the future of Nigeria. Such a structured dialogue under whatever platform (for example: *“Commission for the Future of Nigerian Youths”*) should be dominated by the youths from the 36 states and FCT at the centre of the table. It could be an ad-hoc or permanent Commission _(separate from the ministry of youths and sports)_ but with defined timelines to deliver results. Let Nigeria lead Africa in this regard by elevating the voice of the citizen to statecraft. We need their alternative blueprint for our future. If they want to suggest their own version of Nigerian constitution, let them do so. It is their future and that of their children that is mostly at stake and so, let’s hear them. That is the beauty of democracy: everyone should be heard. We also need a framework of rapid response to deal with the myriad of reforms and actions to give them hope in that future.

Let me admit that the road ahead is going to be a challenging one, as there will be no easy solutions. Oil has been the main source of government revenue but both output and price have collapsed, and with debt service gulping more than 50% of federal government revenue. In some sense, the FGN is technically insolvent at a time when every sector needs and demands significant increase in wages and government spending. The covid 19 pandemic and heightened economic hardship constitute a tinderbox that can ignite social unrest. A study actually identified Nigeria as one of the countries with possibility of protests resulting from the covid 19 hardships. Managing Nigeria’s transition to a post-oil economy in the context of its tendentious fault-lines and fractured institutions as well as existing objective conditions of high youth unemployment and poverty will require a fundamental reset of the button.

Yes, this FGN has an unprecedented number of social interventions _(and even a new ministry of humanitarian affairs)_. But relative to need _(about 40 million unemployed or underemployed, over 10 million almajiris and other children out of school, over 80 million in poverty, and about three million fresh youth entrants into the labour market each year seeking non-existent jobs)_, these FGN “interventions/palliatives” that at best benefit some hundreds of thousands/few millions might seem a drop in the ocean.

Let the Commission for the Future of Nigerian Youths produce the youths’ agenda for security, jobs, poverty reduction and prosperity, as well as the legal-institutional- governance structure to deliver them. What kind of education and value system will underpin these and how will they emerge, etc? Given the high concentration of poverty in the North East and North West, as well as the spate of insecurity especially banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, perhaps the youths might give Nigeria the magic wand for the problems. Let’s have their detailed plan for policing in Nigeria or even a template on the size, functions, salaries and allowances of elected office holders, etc. Nigeria will be grateful to have their costed plan: how much will the plan cost and where will the money come from? Among other things, they may come up with better ideas on how to eliminate corruption, drastically reduce cost of governance, and ensure turbo charged productivity across the length and breadth of Nigeria’s economy. Who knows which other disruptive or inventive ideas that they can come up with. States and local governments may also set up their own commissions with similar or broader mandates.

Yes, the initial peaceful protest has largely lost its strategic direction but we must not also respond by labelling the entire episode and dismissing it. The crisis has shown many patriotic youths and we need to harness them into a vanguard for the new or next Nigeria. Every disappointment, they say, is a blessing. In every crisis, there is also an opportunity. Nigeria has missed too many good opportunities in the past, and we must not miss this one. We must commend the initial organizers of the protest against SARS for their patriotic duty which instantly raised national consciousness. We also commend the government for the unprecedented prompt acceptance of the five demands. Let the hard work now begin with transparent implementation, and some of the patriotic youth leaders may be coopted to be part of the implementation.

Finally, each level of government _(federal, state, and local government)_ as well as the parliaments and judiciary should be wise to internalize the lessons of the protests and act decisively. There is still significant room to do more. Lagos State needs special attention. It is a predictable hotbed. During the months of national lockdowns, thousands/millions of petty traders, artisans and other micro and small enterprises consumed their capital, and most are yet to replenish. Social safety nets are miniscule and the dependency burden on the tiny elite has reached elastic limits. Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos state _(accounting for about 30% of Nigeria’s economy, home to over 20 million Nigerians and its major financial and transport gateway to the world)_ still operates at half capacity _(partial lockdown)_ due to the pandemic. Millions of the unemployed or underemployed are in Lagos who survive from daily hustle. Any day that Lagos is locked down not only inflicts massive shocks to the national economy’s supply chain, but also wrecks unquantifiable toll on the livelihood of millions.

The Governor of Lagos State has done a great job in managing the covid-19 spread, but it may be time to seriously review the partial lockdown in the state. Given the lessons so far, there may be other creative ways to manage covid-19 spread than continued partial lockdowns. Partial lockdown in Lagos slows down national economic recovery from the pandemic and hence further lockdowns or disruptions in Lagos have become socially and economically too expensive for Nigeria. Other states should also review their operations to eliminate all policy-induced and regulatory bumps on the way to desired economic recovery.

Let the conversation continue!

NASA Announces It Has Found Water On The Moon For The First Time (Photos)

NASA reveals tiny pockets of ice on the lunar surface could provide enough oxygen, hydration and rocket fuel to support a human colony. Study estimates up to 40,000 square km of water hidden in cold traps in craters

NASA has confirmed, for the first time, that there is water on the sunlit surface of the moon.

The revelation means it is possible water is easily accessible and not just in the deep, permanently shadowed craters of the south pole, as was previously thought.

A separate piece of research found these so-called 'cold traps', which are always in shadow, may contain up to 15,000 square miles (40,000 square km) of water.

The discovery means future missions to the moon could be prolonged by making use of these water molecules which are scattered across the moon.

Astronauts could use the natural resource, which may have arrived via comets or solar winds, and turn it into oxygen or drinking water to sustain a future colony.

Scientists also say the water could be used to make rocket fuel, lightening missions and slashing mission costs to make interplanetary space travel easier and cheaper.

Previously, researchers speculated water was only present in cold traps and were unable to prove it was water and not a similar molecule called hydroxyl, which is found in drain cleaner.

The NASA research used a converted Boeing 747 that cruises around Earth above the clouds at an altitude of more than 41,000ft called Sofia.

It was tasked with clarifying findings published in 2009 which discovered molecular hydrogen and oxygen on the surface of the moon.

However, due to the nature of the decade-old analysis, astronomers were unable to say whether or not it was water (H2 or hydroxyl (OH) compounds, the chemical found in drain cleaner, due to the similarity in their chemical signature.

Dr Nick Tothill, a physicist at Western Sydney University, who was not involved in the research, said: 'The problem was that the water ice signature that was found before was really just telling us that there were oxygen and hydrogen atoms bound together.

'On the Earth, this is mainly water, but on the Moon, you can't be so sure.'

The issue was a limitation of the equipment that used a wavelength of three micrometres, which is unable to tell apart hydroxyl minerals from water.

Sofia, short for Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is equipped with a unique six micrometre sensor that detects 'a fundamental vibration of molecular water' that is completely unique to water.

The Sofia study found the water molecules in Clavius Crater, one of the largest craters visible from Earth, located in the Moon's southern hemisphere.

By detecting this, it is conclusive and indubitable proof of water on the sunlit surface of the moon, NASA says.

'We had indications that H2O – the familiar water we know – might be present on the sunlit side of the Moon,' said Paul Hertz, director of the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

'Now we know it is there. This discovery challenges our understanding of the lunar surface and raises intriguing questions about resources relevant for deep space exploration.'

Dr Themiya Nanayakkara, an astronomer at Swinburne University of Technology, comments on the research.

'Honniball and collaborators have now targeted a much higher wavelength feature at 6µm using data from the SOFIA observatory,' he says.

He goes on to explain that Sofia is a modified Boeing 747 with a massive hole that fits in a 2.5-meter mirror.

'They find spectral signatures that can only be explained by molecular water on the Moon,' he says.

In the paper, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the researchers say that water around the south pole of the moon is relatively abundant, at around 100 to 400 parts per million, equivalent to a 12-ounce (360ml) bottle of water – trapped in a cubic meter of soil.

This is about 100 times drier than the Sahara desert, NASA says.

'We haven't found a fountain or lake on the moon, the water density is very low, it is confined to the poles, and is likely trapped in glasses or rocks on the surface,' warns Dr Ben Montet from the University of New South Wales.

The second scientific paper released today looks at where water is most likely to be found on the moon's surface.

It adds to previous research which found that cold traps are well suited for preserving water ice.

Also known as topographic depressions, they benefit from a quirk of the moon's physics, which is also a feature of Mercury and the asteroid Ceres.

All three are tilted on their axis and as a result the shadow created from their craters leaves some areas permanently in the shade.

In these areas, temperatures can plummet as low as -163.15°C/-261.67°F due to the lack of sunlight, hence the frigid moniker assigned by astronomers.

Dr Paul Hayne from the University of Colorado, Boulder led a project that tried to determine just how many of these there are and how much water they may contain.

His team used theoretical modelling and data from the Lunar Renaissance Orbiter (LRO) to piece this puzzle together.

They vary enormously in size, the researchers say, with some as large as one kilometre in diameter and some just one centimetre in width.

Up to a fifth of all water ice believed to be trapped in these spots is thought to be in the tiniest of the craters, the researchers say.

More than half (60 per cent) of the cold traps are in the south and the majority are at latitudes in excess of 80 degrees because 'permanent shadows equatorward of 80° are typically too warm to support ice accumulation', the researchers write.

In total, they speculate up to 40,000 square kilometres of water ice exists in the cold traps, the same as twice the contents of Lake Ontario.

Dr Tothill says: 'Taken together, these papers tell us that there really is water ice on the moon, and it's probably widespread over both polar regions - with a bit more in the south.

'This in turn tells us how and where to look for water on the moon, with either robot or human explorers.'

While this research confirms long-held theories, astronomers have been acting on these suspicions for a long time.

NASA, for example, banked on finding water and plans to build a base camp at the moon's south pole. Israel's failed Beresheet mission also had a similar thought process.

Before a crash landing, it had intended to touch down in the lowland area of Mare Serenitatis. This area gave off a distinct signal indicating water is present there.

Thousands of dried tardigrades were secretly sent on this mission and these creatures are known as being the hardiest creatures in the world.

They can be revived by water, survive UV rays and Israel hoped to see if they would survive on the moon.

'But we don't have to worry that tardigrades are now running around the Moon,' says Alice Gorman of Flinders University, a leading space archaeologist.

'They're encased in resin, and the water is most likely trapped inside glasses formed by micrometeorite impacts.'

The discovery, which was tantalisingly teased by NASA last week, has significant implications for future space missions to our natural satellite.

Dr Jonti Horner from the University of Southern Queensland calls the research 'definitely exciting'.

He says future missions to the south pole of the moon could be refuelled at a base camp, as proposed by the NASA Artemis mission, using the moonwater.

But the implications are far more significant than that, experts say.

Instead of simply refuelling and returning to Earth, the presence of moonwater , and therefore lower costs for return trips, also open the door for interplanetary missions.

'To launch a litre bottle of water from Earth to the Moon costs $35,000 – almost the same cost as if we just made that bottle solid gold, says Professor Alan Duffy, lead scientist of The Royal Institution of Australia.

'But by accessing it directly from the Moon itself we turn our celestial neighbour into a resupply as well as a refuelling station.

'Water can directly support astronauts on a planned Moon-base, used to grow food on long-duration missions to Mars, and even split into literal rocket fuel for powering our satellites and rockets across the Solar System. ' #dailymail

NASA Announces It Has Found Water On The Moon For The First Time (Photos)

NASA reveals tiny pockets of ice on the lunar surface could provide enough oxygen, hydration and rocket fuel to support a human colony. Study estimates up to 40,000 square km of water hidden in cold traps in craters

NASA has confirmed, for the first time, that there is water on the sunlit surface of the moon.

The revelation means it is possible water is easily accessible and not just in the deep, permanently shadowed craters of the south pole, as was previously thought.

A separate piece of research found these so-called 'cold traps', which are always in shadow, may contain up to 15,000 square miles (40,000 square km) of water.

The discovery means future missions to the moon could be prolonged by making use of these water molecules which are scattered across the moon.

Astronauts could use the natural resource, which may have arrived via comets or solar winds, and turn it into oxygen or drinking water to sustain a future colony.

Scientists also say the water could be used to make rocket fuel, lightening missions and slashing mission costs to make interplanetary space travel easier and cheaper.

Previously, researchers speculated water was only present in cold traps and were unable to prove it was water and not a similar molecule called hydroxyl, which is found in drain cleaner.

The NASA research used a converted Boeing 747 that cruises around Earth above the clouds at an altitude of more than 41,000ft called Sofia.

It was tasked with clarifying findings published in 2009 which discovered molecular hydrogen and oxygen on the surface of the moon.

However, due to the nature of the decade-old analysis, astronomers were unable to say whether or not it was water (H2 or hydroxyl (OH) compounds, the chemical found in drain cleaner, due to the similarity in their chemical signature.

Dr Nick Tothill, a physicist at Western Sydney University, who was not involved in the research, said: 'The problem was that the water ice signature that was found before was really just telling us that there were oxygen and hydrogen atoms bound together.

'On the Earth, this is mainly water, but on the Moon, you can't be so sure.'

The issue was a limitation of the equipment that used a wavelength of three micrometres, which is unable to tell apart hydroxyl minerals from water.

Sofia, short for Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, is equipped with a unique six micrometre sensor that detects 'a fundamental vibration of molecular water' that is completely unique to water.

The Sofia study found the water molecules in Clavius Crater, one of the largest craters visible from Earth, located in the Moon's southern hemisphere.

By detecting this, it is conclusive and indubitable proof of water on the sunlit surface of the moon, NASA says.

'We had indications that H2O – the familiar water we know – might be present on the sunlit side of the Moon,' said Paul Hertz, director of the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

'Now we know it is there. This discovery challenges our understanding of the lunar surface and raises intriguing questions about resources relevant for deep space exploration.'

Dr Themiya Nanayakkara, an astronomer at Swinburne University of Technology, comments on the research.

'Honniball and collaborators have now targeted a much higher wavelength feature at 6µm using data from the SOFIA observatory,' he says.

He goes on to explain that Sofia is a modified Boeing 747 with a massive hole that fits in a 2.5-meter mirror.

'They find spectral signatures that can only be explained by molecular water on the Moon,' he says.

In the paper, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the researchers say that water around the south pole of the moon is relatively abundant, at around 100 to 400 parts per million, equivalent to a 12-ounce (360ml) bottle of water – trapped in a cubic meter of soil.

This is about 100 times drier than the Sahara desert, NASA says.

'We haven't found a fountain or lake on the moon, the water density is very low, it is confined to the poles, and is likely trapped in glasses or rocks on the surface,' warns Dr Ben Montet from the University of New South Wales.

The second scientific paper released today looks at where water is most likely to be found on the moon's surface.

It adds to previous research which found that cold traps are well suited for preserving water ice.

Also known as topographic depressions, they benefit from a quirk of the moon's physics, which is also a feature of Mercury and the asteroid Ceres.

All three are tilted on their axis and as a result the shadow created from their craters leaves some areas permanently in the shade.

In these areas, temperatures can plummet as low as -163.15°C/-261.67°F due to the lack of sunlight, hence the frigid moniker assigned by astronomers.

Dr Paul Hayne from the University of Colorado, Boulder led a project that tried to determine just how many of these there are and how much water they may contain.

His team used theoretical modelling and data from the Lunar Renaissance Orbiter (LRO) to piece this puzzle together.

They vary enormously in size, the researchers say, with some as large as one kilometre in diameter and some just one centimetre in width.

Up to a fifth of all water ice believed to be trapped in these spots is thought to be in the tiniest of the craters, the researchers say.

More than half (60 per cent) of the cold traps are in the south and the majority are at latitudes in excess of 80 degrees because 'permanent shadows equatorward of 80° are typically too warm to support ice accumulation', the researchers write.

In total, they speculate up to 40,000 square kilometres of water ice exists in the cold traps, the same as twice the contents of Lake Ontario.

Dr Tothill says: 'Taken together, these papers tell us that there really is water ice on the moon, and it's probably widespread over both polar regions - with a bit more in the south.

'This in turn tells us how and where to look for water on the moon, with either robot or human explorers.'

While this research confirms long-held theories, astronomers have been acting on these suspicions for a long time.

NASA, for example, banked on finding water and plans to build a base camp at the moon's south pole. Israel's failed Beresheet mission also had a similar thought process.

Before a crash landing, it had intended to touch down in the lowland area of Mare Serenitatis. This area gave off a distinct signal indicating water is present there.

Thousands of dried tardigrades were secretly sent on this mission and these creatures are known as being the hardiest creatures in the world.

They can be revived by water, survive UV rays and Israel hoped to see if they would survive on the moon.

'But we don't have to worry that tardigrades are now running around the Moon,' says Alice Gorman of Flinders University, a leading space archaeologist.

'They're encased in resin, and the water is most likely trapped inside glasses formed by micrometeorite impacts.'

The discovery, which was tantalisingly teased by NASA last week, has significant implications for future space missions to our natural satellite.

Dr Jonti Horner from the University of Southern Queensland calls the research 'definitely exciting'.

He says future missions to the south pole of the moon could be refuelled at a base camp, as proposed by the NASA Artemis mission, using the moonwater.

But the implications are far more significant than that, experts say.

Instead of simply refuelling and returning to Earth, the presence of moonwater , and therefore lower costs for return trips, also open the door for interplanetary missions.

'To launch a litre bottle of water from Earth to the Moon costs $35,000 – almost the same cost as if we just made that bottle solid gold, says Professor Alan Duffy, lead scientist of The Royal Institution of Australia.

'But by accessing it directly from the Moon itself we turn our celestial neighbour into a resupply as well as a refuelling station.

'Water can directly support astronauts on a planned Moon-base, used to grow food on long-duration missions to Mars, and even split into literal rocket fuel for powering our satellites and rockets across the Solar System. ' #dailymail