Properties of Lunar Dust and Their Migration on the Moon

Abstract

Lunar dust, the finest fraction of lunar regolith, has undergone important space weathering on the Moon. It not only serves as a record of the evolution of the lunar surface environment and the modification of mineral properties, but also influences the lunar surface environment through dust transport. Our current understanding of the properties and transport mechanisms of lunar dust on the lunar surface, however, remains limited. With rapid development of lunar exploration, it is necessary to further study the problem and meet the need of future lunar exploration missions. The lunar surface is the primary environmental space where uncrewed lunar rover activity, crewed lunar exploration, and lunar base construction take place. The lunar dust will distribute in such a space area due to electrostatic lifting and impacted sputtering, which will pose a threat to lunar surface exploration activities. In addition, lunar dust transport is closely related to lunar horizon glow, lunar swirl, and lunar magnetic anomaly. Understanding the properties and transport mechanisms of lunar dust is key to comprehending the formation of these scientific phenomena. Therefore, a systematic and in-depth investigation of lunar dust properties and dust transport patterns is urgently required to advance lunar science and implement lunar exploration projects. In this study, we summarize the physical and chemical properties of lunar dust and our understanding of dust transport on the lunar surface, identify remaining challenges and issues in the study of lunar dust, and offer perspectives on this research field.