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.