- India’s Chandrayaan-2 mission has made the first-ever observation of the effects of a solar coronal mass ejection (CME) on the moon’s exosphere, marking a major milestone in lunar and space weather studies. The discovery was made by the CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2) payload onboard the lunar orbiter.
Key Highlights:
-
CME Observation: CHACE-2 detected a sharp rise in the total pressure and number density of the moon’s thin exosphere when a CME hit the lunar surface on 10 May 2024 .
-
Scientific Significance: The observation confirmed theoretical models showing that solar activity can directly influence the lunar exosphere by increasing atom liberation from the surface.
-
Rare Event: The finding coincided with a rare series of CMEs from the sun, offering unique data on solar–lunar interactions.
-
Impact on Future Missions: Understanding CME effects is vital for designing lunar habitats and instruments capable of withstanding extreme solar events.
-
Mission Details: Launched on 22 July 2019 aboard the GSLV-MkIII-M1 , Chandrayaan-2 carries eight scientific payloads. Despite the Vikram lander’s setback, the orbiter continues to deliver valuable scientific results , strengthening India’s role in global lunar research.
Month: Current Affairs - October 22, 2025
Category: Science and Technology