The moon has been continuously bombarded by meteorites for billions of years: Here’s why that’s a positive thing.

Researchers have discovered that the moon has a thin and delicate atmosphere, known as an exosphere, thanks to the constant bombardment of space rocks over its 4.5 billion-year history. Meteorites and micrometeoroids striking the lunar surface kick up soil and vaporized atom particles, creating an atmosphere sustained by continual impacts. The team of researchers, led by Nicole Nie, analyzed data from the NASA LADEE orbiter and Apollo mission soil samples to determine that impact vaporization is the primary process responsible for the moon’s atmosphere. The study suggests that solar wind and meteorite strikes have shaped the moon’s exosphere, with impacts being more crucial in creating the atmosphere. The researchers believe that similar processes could be occurring on other celestial bodies in the solar system, leading to a better understanding of the formation and evolution of the universe. Bringing samples back from the moon and other planets is essential to obtaining clearer data and insights into the solar system’s history. The team’s findings were published in the journal Science Advances, highlighting the importance of continued research and exploration of space.

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