The Long-Term Effects of Radiation on Lunar Glass

Researchers have found that billions of years of exposure to radiation has made glass on the moon harder. By studying glass samples brought back by China's Chang'e-5 lunar lander, the team observed major changes in the glass's Young's modulus, with changes of up to 70%. The radiation bombardment also made the glass harder. This research provides insights into the aging effects of lunar glasses and the impact of cosmic rays and solar radiation on the moon's surface.