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HomeTech & SciencesAstronomers break the silence and reveal the origin of the Moon's atmosphere!

Astronomers break the silence and reveal the origin of the Moon's atmosphere!

The Moon has always captivated humanity, but a recent study reveals that it has an atmosphere, albeit a very thin one, that could change our understanding of our natural satellite.

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Surprising discovery: the Moon has an atmosphere

It is commonly believed that the Moon is an airless celestial body, exposed to the vacuum of space. However, recent research published in Science Advances on August 2, 2024, contradicts this perception. This revelation is not just a scientific curiosity; it raises questions about how and why an atmosphere could form around this seemingly inhospitable body.

The exosphere: an atmosphere like no other

The Moon does not have an atmosphere in the sense that we understand one on Earth. What it does have is called an exosphere โ€“ the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, where gas molecules can escape into space. This layer is extremely thin compared to the dense atmospheric layers found on our planet.

Meteorite impact: key to atmospheric formation

The formation of the lunar atmosphere can be attributed primarily to meteorite impacts. Scientists have long assumed that meteorite impacts played a role, but the new data provide compelling evidence that vaporization of meteorites upon impact is the dominant process.

A continuous and stable process

The geological history of the Moon shows that it has been constantly bombarded by meteorites during its 4.5 billion years of existence. This regular bombardment has helped to stabilize a thin but persistent atmosphere, thanks to the continuous regeneration generated by these small impacts.

Solar influence

In addition to meteorites, solar activity also plays a role in preserving the lunar exosphere. Particles ejected by the Sun contribute about 30% of the maintenance of the lunar atmosphere, with the remainder attributed to meteorite impacts.

The implications of these findings

Understanding how the Moon's atmosphere formed and is maintained is not just an academic question. This information could have practical implications for future lunar missions, particularly in terms of building sustainable bases on the Moon.

A fragile balance

Studies show that without the combination of meteorite impacts and solar activity, the Moon could very well be completely devoid of an atmosphere. This delicate balance between the two forces is crucial for the preservation of the lunar atmosphere.

Towards the future: what does the Moon have in store for us?

This new understanding of the lunar atmosphere could open the door to new strategies for exploring and using the Moon. With this knowledge, scientists and engineers could better plan how astronauts will be protected from the elements of space and optimize technologies for lunar exploration.

The Moon Has Water! A Mysterious Crystal Destroys All Theories and Revolutionizes the History of Space!

This paper explores the recent discovery of an atmosphere around the Moon, analyzing how meteorite impacts and solar activity contributed to its formation and stabilization. This renewed understanding could not only reshape our view of the Moon but also influence future space missions, offering new perspectives for the exploitation of our natural satellite.

Source: The Guardian