Lunar regolith can absorb cosmic radiation. Deep craters or lava tubes act as natural shelters. Apollo missions measured lower radiation in buried regions. Thick dust layers block high-energy particles. This effect is important for human safety. Lunar orbit also offers partial protection. While the Moon has no atmosphere, surface topography helps mitigate radiation.
This matters for astronauts and habitats. Proper placement can reduce health risks. Shielding is cheaper than artificial construction.
It also informs habitat design on other worlds. Regolith may be a universal resource for radiation protection.
Regolith over 2 meters thick can significantly reduce radiation exposure.
NASA [nasa.gov]