Possible Impact of Earth’s atmosphere on Moon

  • ISRO’s maiden mission to the Moon has sent images which show that Moon may be rusting along the poles.
  • The sign of this finding is that even though the surface of the Moon is known to have iron – rich rocks, it is not known for the presence of water and oxygen, which are the two elements needed to interact with iron to create rust.
  • Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) say that this could be because the Earth’s own atmosphere is lending a helping hand which, in other words, means that the Earth’s atmosphere could be protecting the Moon as well.
  • Thus, the Chandrayaan-1 Moon data indicates that the Moon’s poles are home to water, this is what the scientists are trying to decipher.
  • As for Chandrayaan-3 is concerned, the launch may now take place somewhere in early 2021.
  • Chandrayaan-3 will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 and will include a Lander and Rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2, but will not have an orbiter.
  • Meanwhile, preparations are going on for India’s first ever Human Space Mission Gaganyaan.