Indian scientists discover how earth's magnetic field is affecting the Moon
India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission has made a surprising discovery about the Moon’s atmosphere.
Scientists found that when the Moon passes through Earth’s magnetic tail, its ionosphere—an upper layer filled with charged particles—behaves in an unexpected way.
This challenges what experts previously believed about plasma movement around the Moon.
The study revealed that electron levels in the Moon’s ionosphere can be nearly 100 times higher than usual when it moves through this part of space.
Researchers believe that weak magnetic fields on the Moon’s surface could be trapping these charged particles and stopping them from escaping.
Scientists used a special technique to measure these changes.
The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter sent radio signals back to Earth, allowing experts to track electron levels in different parts of the Moon’s atmosphere.
They found a sharp increase in electron density—up to 23,000 electrons per cubic centimetre—especially in certain regions.
These findings could be important for future Moon missions.
High plasma levels could affect communication, equipment, and even how lunar dust moves.
Understanding these changes will help space agencies prepare better for future robotic and human missions to the Moon.
