Curious logo
 
Image depicting moon as studies indicate that the moon protected earth in early years

Moon protected Earth in its younger years

 

Recommended for Secondary Grades

Did Moon protected Earth, when Earth was very young? Let’s find out how!

In the new study, scientists used computer simulations (models) to show that the Moon could have played a big role in protecting Earth during its early years.

Four-and-a-half billion years ago, Earth’s surface was not suitable for life. The temperatures were very hot and the air was toxic. The Earth also got a lot of dangerous radiation from the Sun. At that time, the Earth and Moon were closer to each other.

The study found that, at that time, the magnetosphere of the Moon and Earth would have been magnetically connected at each of their polar regions. The magnetosphere is the region around a planet dominated by the planet’s magnetic field.

As a result of this “connection”, the Moon protected Earth.  The Sun’s dangerous solar wind would not have been able to get through the pair’s shared magnetic field.

This barrier (protective field) was very important in helping Earth maintain its atmosphere during this time. Without the Moon, Earth would have received a lot more of the Sun’s powerful radiation emissions. That would have made it almost impossible for life to grow on Earth.

The Moon protected the Earth initially. However, over time, the Moon slowly lost its magnetic field and its atmosphere.

Understanding the Moon’s effect on the Earth’s habitability helps scientists in their hunt for signs of life on other planets. They can look for exoplanets that have similar conditions.

Scientists plan to conduct more studies on this when NASA launches its Artemis mission to the Moon.

About Curious Times

 Curious Times is committed to providing the best experience and news to children.  We also publish the Curious Times Weekly newspaper every week and The Curious Magazine every month. We are delighted to publish the creative art, photographs, write up and more that children send us in My Expressions.

You can also reach out to us on WhatsApp, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.

  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

Share your comment!

To post your comment Login/Signup