The lunar poles refer to the northern and southern extremes of the Moon. These regions are of particular interest to scientists because they contain permanently shadowed areas that may hold water ice, which is crucial for future lunar exploration and potential human habitation. The lunar south pole is especially notable for its unique features, including large craters like Shackleton that never receive sunlight. In contrast, the lunar north pole has a more varied terrain with some areas that experience continuous sunlight. Both poles are prime targets for future missions aimed at understanding the Moon's resources and geology.