Planetary Scientists Find Evidence of Sun-Driven Changes on the Moon – ScienceDaily

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Tiny iron nanoparticles, different from those found naturally on Earth, are found almost everywhere on the Moon, and scientists are trying to understand why. A new study led by Northern Arizona University graduate student Christian J. Tai Udovicic, in collaboration with associate professor Christopher Edwards, both of the NAU Department of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, has uncovered important clues to help understand the surprisingly active lunar surface. In an article recently published in Geophysical Research Letters, scientists found that solar radiation may be a more important source of lunar iron nanoparticles than previously thought.

Asteroid impacts and solar radiation affect the Moon in unique ways because they lack the protective magnetic field and atmosphere that protect us here on Earth. Both asteroids and solar radiation destroy lunar rocks and soil, forming iron nanoparticles (some smaller, some larger) detectable by instruments on satellites orbiting the moon. The study used space probe data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to figure out how fast iron nanoparticles form on the Moon over time.

“We have long thought that the solar wind has a small effect on the evolution of the lunar surface, when in fact it may be the most important process producing iron nanoparticles,” said Tai Udovicic. “Since iron absorbs a lot of light, very small amounts of these particles can be detected from far away, which makes them a great indicator of change on the Moon.”

Surprisingly, the smaller iron nanoparticles appeared to form at a similar rate to radiation damage in samples returned from the Apollo missions to the Moon, a clue that the Sun has a strong influence on their formation.

“When I saw the Apollo sample data and our satellite data side by side for the first time, I was shocked,” said Tai Udovicic. “This study shows that solar radiation could have a much greater influence on active change on the moon than previously thought, not only by obscuring its surface, but could also create small amounts of water that can be used in future missions.”

As NASA prepares to land the first woman and next man on the surface of the Moon by 2024 as part of the Artemis mission, understanding the solar radiation environment and possible resources on the Moon is critical. In future work recently awarded to NASA Future Investigators in Space Science and Technology (FINEST), Tai Udovicic plans to extend his targeted study to the entire Moon, but is also keen to take a closer look at the mysterious lunar swirls. one of which was recently selected as the landing site for the upcoming Lunar Vertex rover. It also studies lunar temperatures and water ice stability to inform future missions.

“This work helps us understand, from a bird’s eye perspective, how the lunar surface changes over time,” said Tai Udovicic. “While there is still a lot to learn, we want to make sure that when we get the boots on the moon, those missions are supported by the best science available. It’s the most exciting time to be a tail-end lunar scientist. From the Apollo era in the 70’s.”

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