Solar wind particles appear to be lodged deeper in the lunar soil Chang'e-6 scooped from the Moon's far side than in the near-side soil Chang'e-5 brought home, and the researchers attribute the gap to
Researchers found that solar wind particles are lodged deeper in lunar soil from the Moon's far side compared to the near side. The study suggests Earth's magnetosphere acts as a buffer, slowing solar wind ions and preventing them from penetrating as deeply on the near side.
Why it matters
Understanding how Earth's magnetic field interacts with the Moon provides critical insights into planetary science and the history of solar activity.
Earth's magnetosphere acts as a cosmic buffer, allowing solar wind to penetrate the Moon's far side more deeply than its near side, revealing how our planet's magnetic shield shapes the lunar surface.
By Deep Field · Edited by Christy Jeremia
Published September 14, 2026 · How we edit
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