Something strange is happening on the Moon — it’s rusting.

By Aniket Chakraborty

Sept 27, 2025

Arrow

WORLD NEWS

Arrow

Scientists found hematite, a form of iron oxide, near the lunar poles.

2

Arrow

Rusting usually needs water and oxygen, both scarce on the Moon.

3

Arrow

Researchers believe oxygen from Earth is reaching the Moon.

4

Arrow

During lunar eclipses, Earth shields the Moon from solar winds.

5

Arrow

Instead, the Moon gets hit by oxygen-rich particles called “Earth wind.”

6

Arrow

Lab experiments confirmed oxygen ions can turn lunar iron into hematite.

7

Arrow

India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission first spotted hematite on the Moon in 2020.

8

Arrow

The finding could affect future lunar missions and equipment design.

9

10

Scientists say rusting shows a deep, surprising link between Earth and Moon.