New research suggests Earth's magnetic field has helped move tiny particles from our atmosphere onto the lunar surface. Soil returned by the Apollo missions shows the moon contains volatiles such as water, carbon dioxide, helium, argon and nitrogen. Some volatiles come from the solar wind, but the amount of nitrogen is higher than the solar wind alone can explain.
Scientists used advanced computer simulations to test two cases: an early Earth without a magnetic field and a modern Earth with a strong field. The simulations show the transfer works best in the modern case, where charged particles are knocked loose and guided along field lines that can reach the moon over long times.
Difficult words
- volatile — substance that can become gas easilyvolatiles
- solar wind — stream of particles from the Sun
- simulation — computer model that copies real eventssimulations
- field — area where a force acts, like magnetismmagnetic field
- particle — very small piece of matter or materialparticles
- atmosphere — layer of gases around a planet
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think finding water on the Moon is important? Why or why not?
- How could Earth's magnetic field help move particles to the Moon?
- Would you like to learn more about the Moon after reading this? Why?
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