Welcome to KMSC Fusion 93 I am Nathanael Roop here with the news.

First, Astronauts may no longer have to go far to be able to find water on the moon.

According to the New York Times, a team of scientists used SOFIA an infrared telescope mounted inside a 747 jumbo jet, to make observations that showed clear data that there is water on the side of the moon where the sun shines.

“This discovery reveals that water might be distributed across the lunar surface and not limited to the cold shadowed places near the lunar poles,” Paul Hertz, the director of NASA’s astrophysics division, said during a news conference on Monday.

This discovery could be a real game-changer, not only could it be used as water for astronauts to drink but it could also be broken down into its constituent atoms to create oxygen for the astronauts to breathe.
Hydrogen and oxygen could also possibly be used as rocket propellant to help space missions make it back to earth and even help them in their quest to get to Mars.

We asked a local girl, Hannah Roop, what she thought about this discovery. (Hannah Roop audio)

In National news, President-Elect Joe Biden said on Thursday that he does not believe that the coronavirus vaccine should be mandatory, but that he would strongly encourage Americans to quote “do the right thing.” unquote.

The president-elect’s latest comments reflect his push to set an example for the American people in combating the coronavirus pandemic. Biden revealed this week that he will ask Americans in his inaugural address to wear a mask for 100 days in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. He has also said he is willing to take the vaccine publicly.

When asked how she felt about this news local woman Sheila Roop had this to say. (Sheila Roop audio)

And lastly in international news on Friday Pentagon officials said that President Trump has ordered the withdrawal of most of the U.S. troops stationed in Somalia.

The nearly 800 troops represent a small force but are seen as a crucial need against African-based extremist groups, including al-Shabab.
This announcement comes three weeks after acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller said the U.S. is reducing troop levels in Afghanistan and Iraq to 2,500 by mid-January.

I asked a local man, Kevin Roop, what his feelings were about this news and he said, (Kevin Roop audio)

And that will do it for the news this week and as always, we will be back next week to cover all the biggest stories.