Chandrayaan-3 Reveals an Active Plasma Environment

Recently, scientists analysing data from Chandrayaan-3 have uncovered first-of-its-kind insights into the Moon’s near-surface plasma environment, showing that the electrical conditions near the lunar South Pole are far more dynamic than previously believed.

What Is Plasma and Why It Matters on the Moon?

• Plasma is often called the fourth state of matter, made up of charged particles such as free electrons and ions.
• Although electrically neutral overall, plasma is highly conductive and reacts strongly to electromagnetic fields.
• The Moon’s plasma environment (lunar ionosphere) is shaped by:
  • Solar wind continuously striking the lunar surface
  • Photoelectric effect, where sunlight ejects electrons from the surface
  • Earth’s magnetotail, when ....