Chandrayaan-3 faces plasma storm at Shiv Shakti Point
Vikram Lander has created history at the ‘Shiv Shakti Point’ of the Moon where it landed. For the first time, the RAMBHA-LP instrument mounted on the lander examined plasma ‘in-situ’ on the lunar surface. The data revealed that the electron density there is between 380 to 600 electrons per cubic centimeter. This figure is much higher than previous estimates made through remote sensing.
The most surprising thing is the temperature of the electrons. There their ‘kinetic temperature’ has been measured between 3,000 to 8,000 Kelvin. This means that the atmosphere just above the surface of the moon is not calm, but there is tremendous energy and movement.
Chandrayaan-3 landed on the south pole of the Moon in August 2023 (Photo: ISRO)
What is plasma and why is it special?
Plasma is called the fourth state of matter. It is a mixture of charged particles, ions and free electrons which can conduct electricity. This plasma on the Moon is mainly formed due to ‘solar wind’ (charged particles coming from the Sun) and ‘photoelectric effect’. When sunlight hits the atoms of the moon’s soil, it knocks out electrons, creating a weak but active ionosphere.
Unique connection between sun and earth
During the day of the moon: When the Moon faces the Sun, the plasma there is completely under the influence of the ‘solar wind’.
In Magnetotail: When the Moon passes through the Earth’s ‘magnetotail’ (the rear part of the Earth’s magnetic field) while rotating, the atmosphere there changes. Then it is not the sun’s particles that dominate there, but the particles emanating from the Earth.
Chandrayaan-3’s new discovery shocked the world, tremendous energy found just above the lunar soil (Data Source: ISRO, Infographics By Gemini AI)
Clues of water and gases may be found
ISRO’s lunar ionospheric model has indicated that this charged layer does not consist only of electrons. It may also contain molecular ions of gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor. If this proves to be true, it means that water and other resources may exist under or around the moon’s surface.
Why is this discovery important for future astronauts?
This discovery is not limited to science only. This will have a direct impact on future human missions.
Communication: Plasma can interfere with radio waves. Now scientists will be able to create better communication systems.
Safety: Charged particles can damage space suits and equipment. Better protective shields can be prepared from this data.
resources: The presence of ions of water vapor will help in the discovery of water.
‘Rambha-LP’ developed by the Space Physics Laboratory of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) has done what no country had been able to do till now.
