Catching Solar Fireworks on the Moon: India’s Lunar Mission Breaks New Frontiers

Image Source: Times of India

Chandrayaan-2’s recent observations mark a historic step by capturing how the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejections influence the Moon’s exosphere, confirming long-held theories and broadening space weather understanding, vital for future lunar endeavors.

India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission has achieved a historic milestone by making the first-ever direct observation of the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) impacting the Moon. Using its onboard instrument Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2), the mission recorded a dramatic increase in the pressure and density of the Moon’s exosphere, confirming predictions from long-standing theoretical models.

Key Highlights:

Chandrayaan-2 observed the effects of solar CMEs striking the Moon during a rare event on May 10, 2024.
The total pressure and number density of neutral atoms and molecules in the Moon’s dayside exosphere increased by more than tenfold.
This was the first direct measurement validating that solar CMEs significantly alter the lunar exosphere, made possible by CHACE-2.
The Moon’s exosphere is an extremely thin, surface-bound atmosphere sensitive to solar radiation, solar wind, and meteoritic impacts.
CMEs eject ions (mainly Hydrogen and Helium) from the Sun that collide with the Moon, knocking atoms off its surface and enriching its exosphere temporarily.
The Moon lacks a global magnetic field, making it vulnerable to direct solar effects unlike Earth.
This finding deepens understanding of lunar space weather and has critical implications for future lunar mission planning and human habitats on the Moon.
The study detailing this observation was published in Geophysical Research Letters in August 2025.

This groundbreaking observation by Chandrayaan-2 not only confirms theoretical models of lunar surface interaction with solar activity but also marks a leap forward in understanding the dynamic lunar environment. It offers vital data for scientists and space agencies designing resilient lunar exploration infrastructure and human habitats, underlining ISRO's growing leadership in space research.

Sources: ISRO, Geophysical Research Letters, Times of India, News On Air, Hindustan Times

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Ink-Stained to Algorithm-Made: Friendship Gets a Digital Makeover

STORIES YOU MAY LIKE

Image Source: Amazon

From Humble Beginnings to Global Giant: The Unbelievable Rise of RSS in 100 Years

Image Source: Deccan Herald

Karpoori’s Homeland Beckons Modi: Bihar Poll Campaign Live from Samastipur

Image Source: LatestLY

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Toss Call Sparks England’s Narrow Triumph against Indian Women

Image Source: Digital Preeyam News

Connectivity at Scale: India’s 5G Footprint Now Second Largest Worldwide

Image Source: ET Edge Insights

Chirag Paswan’s New “MY” Mantra: Empowering Bihar’s Women and Youth for a Bold Tomorrow

Image Source: iStock

Kolkata’s Sunny Sequel: A Week of Crisp Mornings and Sunlit Days

Image Source: ie_lifestyle

Before the Burn: The Arthroscopy Specialist’s Guide to Walking Your Way to Gains

Top Searches

Suggestions

Catching Solar Fireworks on the Moon: India’s Lunar Mission Breaks New Frontiers

STORIES YOU MAY LIKE

Live Blogs

Top Stories

Catching Solar Fireworks on the Moon: India’s Lunar Mission Breaks New Frontiers

STORIES YOU MAY LIKE

Subscribe to receive the day's headlines from WOWNEWS 24X7 straight in your inbox

Live Blogs

Top Stories