Lunar Soil or Moon Dust
What is Lunar Soil or Moon Dust? Lunar soil, also known as lunar regolith, is the layer of loose, heterogeneous material covering the solid bedrock of the Moon’s surface. Unlike terrestrial soil, which includes organic materials and moisture, lunar soil is entirely inorganic, composed of small particles created over billions of years by processes such as meteorite impacts and volcanic activity. Composition The composition of lunar soil is complex and varies depending on the location on the Moon's surface. Key components include: Silicate Glass : A significant portion of lunar soil consists of tiny shards of silicate glass formed by the intense heat and pressure from micrometeorite impacts. These impacts melt the lunar rock, which then cools rapidly to form glassy particles. Minerals : Lunar soil contains a variety of minerals, including olivine, pyroxene, and plagioclase feldspar. These minerals are common in basaltic rocks, which make up much of the Moon's mare (dark plains) r...