Moon Surface Temperatures Swing From 127 to Minus 173 Degrees Celsius

Thermal Extremes and Atmospheric Absence

According to Yevgeny Burmistrov, an astronomy expert at the Perm National Research Polytechnic University, the Moon’s surface experiences drastic temperature fluctuations that are largely dictated by the complete absence of an atmosphere.

The absence of an atmosphere means there is nothing to moderate heating by solar rays during the day, nor is there anything to retain heat once night falls. The reason for such sharp fluctuations is the absence of an atmosphere that would moderate heating by solar rays and retain heat at night, Burmistrov said.

While the surface can reach 127 degrees Celsius, the nighttime plunge to minus 173 degrees creates a harsh cycle for equipment. Burmistrov noted that in regions such as deep craters, where sunlight never reaches, temperatures can drop as low as minus 240 degrees. These regions remain in perpetual shadow and are considered among the coldest environments in the entire solar system.

Internal Cooling and Seismic Risk

The Moon’s diameter has decreased by approximately 50 meters over the past few hundred million years. This physical contraction is attributed to internal cooling processes occurring within the lunar body.

It is accompanied by ongoing seismic activity, which experts warn could pose tangible risks to spacecraft and any potential human-made lunar bases.

International Moon Day Observations

The scientific focus on these lunar conditions coincides with International Moon Day, which has been observed annually on July 20 since 2021. The date was selected to commemorate the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, the first time humans landed on the lunar surface.

An image taken by the Indian Space Research Organization’s Chandrayaan2 Orbiter, provided by Marty McGuire and processed by him for BackyardAstronomyGuy.com, shows the Apollo 11 landing site with the lunar descent stage visible on the moon on April 2, 2021.

Sources: Chinadailyasia, english.news.cn.