News: For centuries, sky-gazers have reported seeing peculiar, short-lived events on the moon’s surface known as transient lunar phenomena (TLPs).
About Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs)
- Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs) are short-lived, unusual visual events observed on the moon’s surface, such as flashes, glows, or colour changes.
- TLPs include brightening, reddish or violet blotches and foggy spots.
- These events can last from a few seconds to several hours before disappearing.
- Certain lunar regions show TLPs more frequently, especially: Aristarchus crater (most active site), Plato crater and other highland or cratered areas where internal stresses or gas release may occur.
- Scientific Interpretation: Scientists interpret the presence of TLPs to mean that the moon is more dynamic and active than previously thought. These phenomena suggest that geological or electrostatic processes might still be occurring.
- Possible Causes / Theories: There is no single confirmed explanation, but the leading scientific theories include:
- Gas Release (Outgassing): The moon may release gases like radon or argon from beneath its surface. This can occur due to gravitational stresses, moonquakes, or solar heating. Escaping gases can disturb lunar dust, making it glow or reflect sunlight.
- Meteoroid Impacts: The moon has no protective atmosphere, so meteoroid collisions are frequent. High-velocity impacts can produce brief flashes of light visible from Earth.
- Electrostatic Phenomena: Lunar dust can become electrically charged by solar radiation. Charged dust may levitate or move, producing light scattering or glows.
- Atmospheric Effects on Earth: Sometimes, disturbances or distortions in Earth’s atmosphere may create the illusion of TLPs.
- TLPs show that the moon is not completely geologically dead; it still experiences meteoroid bombardment, seismic activity, and outgassing.
