The moon has been stealing Earth’s atmosphere for billions of years
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- New research reveals that particles from Earth's atmosphere have been carried to the moon by solar wind for billions of years, mixing into lunar soil and contributing substances like oxygen and nitrogen.
- Contrary to previous beliefs, Earth's magnetic field may facilitate rather than block the transfer of atmospheric particles to the moon, especially when the moon passes through Earth's magnetotail during its orbit.
- The presence of these volatile elements on the moon is significant for future lunar exploration, potentially providing local resources such as water, oxygen, and fuel components for sustained lunar missions or colonies.
- The study used computer simulations validated by Apollo lunar soil samples, showing that the modern Earth scenario with a strong magnetic field transfers more atmospheric particles to the moon than an ancient Earth without a magnetic
