Meteorite Impacts Found to Sustain Moon's Atmosphere

New research reveals that over 70% of the moon's tenuous atmosphere is generated by meteorite strikes, with solar wind playing a lesser role.

Scientists analyzed lunar soil samples from Apollo missions to determine atmospheric origins.
Meteorite impacts vaporize surface materials, releasing atoms into the moon's exosphere.
Solar wind contributes around 30% by ejecting atoms through ion sputtering.
The study used advanced mass spectrometry to measure isotopic compositions of potassium and rubidium.
Findings could inform future research on other moons and planetary bodies.