New Research Suggests Waves of Electrons Contributing to Formation of Water on the Moon
Scientists have long been aware of the existence of ice on the Moon, but its origin has remained a mystery. However, a recent study proposes a novel theory that waves of electrons originating from both Earth and the Sun may play a significant role in the formation of frozen water on the lunar surface.
According to the study, these electrons collide with the Moon as it moves in and out of Earth’s magnetotail, an area left behind by our planet as it travels through space. Within the magnetotail, a plasma sheet composed of highly charged electrons and ions, sourced from both Earth’s atmosphere and the Sun’s solar wind radiation, exists.
Previous investigations have explored the potential influence of the magnetotail and the larger magnetosphere on water formation on the Moon. The magnetosphere develops as Earth’s protective magnetic field repels the Sun’s solar wind, leading to various effects in its wake.
“This provides a natural laboratory for studying the formation processes of lunar surface water,” states planetary scientist Shuai Li from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.
Li explains, “When the Moon is outside of the magnetotail, the lunar surface is bombarded with solar wind. Inside the magnetotail, there are almost no solar wind protons, and water formation was expected to drop to nearly zero.”
Contrary to earlier assumptions, remote analysis suggests that water continues to form on the lunar surface, even when it is shielded from solar winds within the magnetotail. Previous studies had attributed the water formation to hydrogen ions from solar winds.
The researchers now propose that other factors, particularly electrons, may be at play. One possibility is that high-energy electrons interact with the lunar soil, releasing trapped hydrogen that subsequently combines to form water.
“In the magnetotail, there may be additional formation processes or new sources of water not directly associated with the implantation of solar wind protons,” states Li. “In particular, radiation by high-energy electrons exhibits similar effects as the solar wind protons.”
While further observations and experiments are necessary to confirm this hypothesis, the concept is intriguing. Scientists are actively exploring various avenues to determine the origin of water on the Moon, as it provides valuable insights into its history and is crucial for establishing long-term human habitation on the lunar surface.
Li adds, “Altogether, this finding and my previous findings of rusty lunar poles indicate that the mother Earth is strongly tied with its Moon in many unrecognized aspects.”
The study has been published in Nature Astronomy, contributing to our expanding understanding of lunar water formation.