Summary
Scientists have analyzed lunar rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts to learn more about the moon's ancient magnetic field. The study found that the moon's magnetic field was mostly weak, but it had brief periods of strong magnetic activity. This research appears in the journal Nature Geoscience.
Key Facts
- Apollo astronauts collected lunar rocks over 50 years ago, and these rocks are now giving new insights into the moon's magnetic field.
- Researchers from the University of Oxford conducted the study, which was published in Nature Geoscience.
- The moon's magnetic field was weak for most of its history but had short periods of strong magnetism 3 to 4 billion years ago.
- These occasional spikes in magnetic strength were linked to melting titanium-rich rocks deep within the moon.
- Artemis astronauts will soon collect new moon samples, which could provide further clues about the moon's magnetism.
- The study suggests that the magnetic field activity might have fluctuated more than previously thought.
- Apollo rocks came from titanium-rich areas, affecting analyses of past magnetic field strength.
- New samples from the moon's south pole are expected to offer fresh insights into the moon's magnetic history.
