Dust on the moon
Dust is everywhere and can be a real nuisance. On Earth, this mixture of tiny particles (dust mites, fibres, soil, pollen, etc.) can be found on surfaces throughout the home. When disturbed, the settled dust can become airborne. Dust can also be annoying and treacherous outside the Earth's surface and atmosphere. On the Moon, for example.
When the Apollo astronauts returned from the Moon, the dust that stuck to their space suits irritated their throats and made their eyes water.
Lunar dust consists of small, sharp and abrasive particles of moon rock.
Rocks and minerals on the Moon's surface are mechanically broken down into smaller particles by meteorite and micrometeorite impacts. They are electrostatically charged and adhere to every surface, from space suits to electronics and optics, and even penetrate the lungs of astronauts.
Dangers of Moon dust
Unlike on Earth, it is not so easy to get rid of it.
The crews tried to brush or wipe the sharp, abrasive dust off their space suits with a brush or their hands, but neither method proved very effective. Due to the low gravity on the moon, one-sixth that of Earth, small particles remain suspended longer and penetrate deeper into the lungs.
The presence of these charged dust particles on the moon – but also on Mars, comets and asteroids – poses a real challenge for future (manned and unmanned) exploration missions to celestial bodies in the solar system.
In addition to endangering the health of astronauts through irritation and inhalation of lunar dust, it has many other dangerous (instrumental) effects. To name but a few:
- tears in the space suits
- obscuration of vision,
- incorrect instrumental measurements,
- dust accumulation and contamination,
- obstruction of solar panels,
- loss of grip,
- clogging of mechanisms,
- wear and tear,
- thermal control problems (overheated radiators) and
- seal defects.
