Published on StarDate Online (https://legacy.stardate.org)

Home > Charged Moon

Charged Moon [1]

Astronauts bound across Phobos, the largest moon of Mars, in this 1980s artist's concept. Mars looms in the background. The oddly shaped moon is about the size of a small city, with a minuscule gravitational pull. Astronauts would have to be tied to the little moon to keep from floating off into space. A recent study suggested they might also face mild electric charges on Phobos, created by interactions with the solar wind. The charges probably wouldn't be strong enough to harm an astronaut, but could damage delicate equipment. [NASA/Pat Rawlings (Eagle Engineering)]

Moon and Mars
Artist's concept of astronauts on Phobos, a moon of Mars
  • About StarDate
  • Underwriting
  • SkyTips Sign-Up
  • Change mailing address
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright and Usage
  • Contact

StarDate is brought to you in part through the generous support of our underwriters.
Interested in underwriting? Let us know

 

FacebookTwitterYouTube

©2022 The University of Texas McDonald Observatory


Source URL:https://legacy.stardate.org/astro-guide/gallery/charged-moon

Links
[1] https://legacy.stardate.org/astro-guide/gallery/charged-moon