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Solar Wind: Mad Science at the Lunar Surface Infographic

This video shows the movement of shadows near the Moon's South Pole, over the course of two lunar days, which is approximately two months on Earth. The visualization was created from data gathered by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft.

Credit:
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
Music Provided by Universal Production Music: “Two Horizons” – Anthony d’Amario

Watch this video on the NASA Goddard YouTube channel.
Watch the video from NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio↗
Levels
  • Advanced (9-12+)
Material Type
  • Article/Informative Text
Heliophysics Big Ideas
  • Big Idea 2.2 – The Sun defines the space…
NGSS
  • PS1 - Matter and its Interactions
  • PS2 - Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Heliophysics Topics
  • Magnetosphere
  • Solar Wind
  • Sun
  • Atmosphere
  • Ionization
Heliophysics Missions
  • Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
Material Cost per Learner Free
Language English

In this article, you'll find infographics and learn how solar wind directly impacts the lunar surface due to the Moon's lack of atmospheric and magnetic protection. Because the moon's atmosphere is so thin, the solar wind hits the Moon’s surface directly, with just a little bit of deflection by small bubbles of magnetic field scattered across the surface. This bombardment deposits ingredients that could make water.

Solar_wind_on_the_Moon_graphic
Together, the solar wind and the lunar surface contain the elements needed to make water. In the first panel of the cartoon, the yellow rain-like symbols represent invisibly tiny charged particles – the solar wind.
NASA/JoAnna Wendel.

Find the article here ↗