Not only does Earth possess an exceptionally long tail where the Sun’s rays can’t reach, but it also leverages it to affect another celestial body.
A recent discovery by a team of scientists led by Dr. Shuai Li at the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Hawaii, USA, might shed light on the age-old mystery of lunar water.
According to Space, the researchers have found that Earth boasts a long and powerful plasma tail that is not visible to the naked eye.
This tail emanates from Earth’s special protective layer—the magnetosphere—designed to shield the atmosphere and all life from the harsh cosmic radiation: the solar wind.
Our sun, an active parent star, continually releases high-energy solar winds. When the solar wind collides with the magnetosphere, this magnetic shield distorts, creating an extended magnetic tail on the planet’s nighttime side.
Graphic depicting Earth’s “tail” – Image: NATURE ASTRONOMY
The Moon orbits the Earth, meaning it regularly passes through this tail. During these moments, our little celestial neighbor benefits from this magnetic region, offering temporary protection against charged particles in space while still allowing light to reach its surface.
These rare protective moments have enabled the Moon to undergo water-forming reactions, akin to what occurred in Earth’s primordial days, thanks to the shielding provided by the magnetosphere. Harsh cosmic radiation was the very factor that stripped away elements crucial for water formation on a celestial body.
The areas traversed by this tail not only conceal pockets of water but also bear distinct markings. These are the traces of rust since the tail carries oxygen, altering the regions it sweeps through.
This discovery offers crucial insights to guide the future missions of space agencies worldwide, those aspiring to land on water-bearing regions of the Moon. This precious water resource could be transformed into fuel for rockets, spacecraft, and support various other life activities within the planned “Moon base” that many space agencies aim to establish.