Moon Swirls Unveil the Origin of the Lunar Magnetic Field

Abstract

The origin of magnetic anomalies and lunar swirls has long puzzled scientists. The prevailing theory posits that an ancient lunar dynamo core field magnetized extralunar meteoritic materials, leading to the current remnant magnetic anomalies that shield against solar wind ions, thereby contributing to the formation of lunar swirls. Our research reveals that these lunar swirls are the result of ancient electrical currents that traversed the Moon’s surface, generating powerful magnetizing fields impacting both native lunar rocks and extralunar projectile materials. We have reconstructed 3-D distribution maps of these ancient subsurface currents and developed coupling models of magnetic and electric fields that take into account the subsurface density in the prominent lunar maria and basins. Our simulations suggest these ancient currents could have reached density up to 13 A/m², with surface magnetizing field as strong as 469 µT. We propose that these intense electrical current discharges in the crust originate from ancient interior dynamo activity. This phenomenon may be common to celestial bodies with a dynamo core, potentially including Earth.