India discovers remarkable plasma behaviour in Moon's ionosphere

The Indian Chandrayaan-2 mission has uncovered significant effects of Earth’s geomagnetic tail on the Moon’s ionosphere, challenging previous assumptions about plasma behaviour in the lunar environment. This is reported by Trinity Mirror, a partner of TV BRICS.

A study found unexpectedly high electron densities in the Moon’s ionosphere when it enters Earth’s geomagnetic tail. This suggests that lunar crustal magnetic fields may play a far greater role in shaping plasma dynamics than previously understood.

Using an innovative two-way radio occultation experiment, researchers analysed S-band telemetry and telecommand signals transmitted by the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. These signals revealed electron densities reaching approximately 23,000 electrons per cubic centimetre, nearly 100 times higher than those observed on the Moon’s sunlit side.

New findings suggest that remnant lunar crustal magnetic fields could be trapping plasma, preventing its dissipation, and leading to localised electron density enhancements.

These insights are crucial for upcoming robotic and crewed missions, as high plasma densities can impact radio communications, surface charging, and lunar dust interactions.

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