Meteorite impacts or solar activity can vaporize surface material, forming a temporary exosphere. Atoms like sodium and potassium expand outward before dispersing into space. These clouds are thin and last only hours. Observations from Earth-based telescopes detect them via spectral lines. They interact with solar wind. This process occurs repeatedly. It’s like a fleeting lunar “breath.”
It matters because it demonstrates that even airless bodies can have dynamic gas interactions.
It also affects planning for instruments sensitive to surface chemistry. Temporary exospheres are considered when studying lunar environment evolution.
Impact-induced clouds can reach several kilometers above the surface.
NASA [nasa.gov]