science π Moon is rusting, and Earth is the culprit
Iron oxide, which is basically rust, has been found on the Moon despite lacking significant atmosphere or liquid water. Researchers using Chandrayaan-1 orbiter data identified hematite at high lunar latitudes in 2020. This oxidation is thought to happen when Earth's magnetic tail shields the Moon from solar wind near full Moon. Oxygen ions from Earth's upper atmosphere are believed to be the key supplier in this chemical window. Future studies aim to determine if water or impacts also play a role in this process. π