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Scientists are trying to figure out why tiny iron nanoparticles, unlike anything found naturally on Earth, are almost everywhere on the moon. Christian J. Tai Udovicic (Northern Arizona University doctoral student) and Christopher Edwards (associate professor at NAU's Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science), conducted a new study that revealed important clues to understanding the unusually active lunar surface. Geophysical Research Letters published a paper by the scientists revealing that solar radiation may be more important than previously believed.
Because the moon lacks the protection of the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, asteroid impacts and solar radiation have unique effects on it. Asteroids and solar radiation both break down lunar rocks and soil and form iron nanoparticles. These particles can be detected from satellite instruments orbiting the moon. To understand the formation of iron nanoparticles on the moon, data were collected from spacecrafts belonging to Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Tai Udovicic stated that while we have believed for a long period that the solar winds has a limited effect on lunar surface evolution and may not be the most important, it could actually be the most important in producing iron nanoparticles. These particles are a good indicator of moon change because iron absorbs lots of light.
Surprisingly the formation of the smaller iron nanoparticles was similar to radiation damage from samples taken from Apollo missions to the Moon. This suggests that the sun is a significant influence on their formation.
Tai Udovicic stated, "When I first saw our satellite data and Apollo sample data side-by-side, I was stunned." This study suggests that solar radiation may have a greater influence on active change on the moon than we thought. It could not only darken its surface but also produce small amounts of water for future missions.
NASA is preparing to land the first woman and next man on the moon's surface by 2024 in the Artemis mission. Understanding the solar radiation environment on the moon and its possible resources is crucial. Tai Udovicic recently received a NASA Future Investigators Space Science and Technology grant. He plans to expand his study of the moon to include all its features. However, he is also keen to examine the mysterious lunar swirls that were recently chosen as the landing site for the Lunar Vertex Rover. To help inform future missions, he also studies the lunar temperatures and water stability.
Tai Udovicic stated that this work "helps us understand, from an bird's-eye view, how lunar surface changes over the time," While there are still many things to be learned, we want to ensure that the missions to the moon will be supported by the best science. This is the most exciting time to be lunar scientist since the end of Apollo era in 1970s.
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C. J. Tai Udovicic et. al., New Constraints On The Lunar Optical Spaceweathering Rate, Geophysical Science Letters (2021). Information for Journal: Geophysical Research Letters C. J. Tai Udovicic et. al, New Constraints On The Lunar Optical Space Weathering Rat, (2021). DOI: 10.1029/2020GL092198
