The Moon’s surface is continually hit by meteoroids, small rock fragments traveling through space. When these objects strike the Moon, they create impact craters that gradually reshape the lunar landscape. Understanding how often these impacts happen is important for studying the Moon’s geological history and planning future lunar missions.
In this study, scientists examined thousands of small craters using high-resolution images from the Chang’e-6 Landing Camera (LCAM) and Panoramic Camera (PCAM). The researchers focused on craters formed by meteoroids smaller than one meter. Although these objects are tiny compared with large asteroids, they are very common and can significantly influence the lunar surface.
By comparing crater distributions on both the near side and far side of the Moon, the scientists found that the impact rate of these small meteoroids is surprisingly consistent across the entire lunar surface. This indicates that meteoroid bombardment occurs at roughly the same frequency everywhere on the Moon. Based on simulations of the lunar regolith gardening process, scientists have discovered that the materials at the Chang’e-6 landing site originated from an impact event nearly 20 million years ago. Furthermore, these materials have been widely exposed to the lunar surface for millions of years.
The study also indicates that the number of small meteoroids hitting the Moon matches models of debris traveling through the inner Solar System. Since the Moon lacks an atmosphere, these small objects reach the surface directly and make visible craters.
Understanding this impact rate is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps scientists estimate how quickly the lunar surface changes over time. Second, it provides insights into the population of small meteoroids in near-Earth space. Finally, it helps engineers assess potential risks for future lunar bases, spacecraft, and exploration equipment.
Overall, these findings reveal that the Moon experiences a steady rain of small meteoroids, quietly reshaping its surface over millions of years.
Reference
Liu R, Zhao S, Xu Y, Yang Q, Zhang X, Sun C, Luo P, Chen R, Xu Y, Meng X, Liu J. Meteoroid flux at sub-meter scales is homogeneous across the Lunar nearside and farside. Communications Earth & Environment. 2026 Feb 20. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03270-z
