An ESA scientific instrument dropped off by China's lunar lander detected negative ions on the far side of the Moon.
  • late_night@sopuli.xyz
    19·
    5 months ago

    Here is what the article says:

    These ions are created when charged particles from the Sun pelt the lunar surface, causing particles there to react and become negatively charged. Here on Earth, the planet’s magnetic field stops these particles from ever reaching the surface.

    But since the Moon doesn’t have a magnetic field, its surface is extremely vulnerable to these charged particles. Unlike positively charged particles, however, they never make it back into orbit, forcing scientists to study them on the surface instead.

    • machinin@lemmy.world
      14·
      5 months ago

      Yeah, I get that, but why negative ions? Their research seems important, I just don’t understand the significant of the ions.

      • Daxtron2@startrek.website
        9·
        5 months ago

        Important to know if we ever want a moonbase. Its always been known that ionizing radiation would be an issue without an atmosphere, but this is more solid evidence that they are present on the surface. They also can do cool stuff at the atomic level to form ionic bonds and create thing naturally that we just wouldn’t find here on earth.