Certain lunar rocks are magnetized, creating localized magnetic “swirls.” These swirls can deflect solar wind. They’re mostly found in older highland regions. Apollo missions and orbiters detected these anomalies. Origins are debated—possibly ancient core activity or asteroid impacts. They affect dust levitation and surface interaction with space weather. Understanding these fields aids navigation for sensitive instruments.
It matters for science because magnetic anomalies reveal interior history. They inform models of lunar formation and evolution.
It also helps in planning future experiments, as magnetic pockets can influence instruments and dust behavior.
Magnetic swirls can be hundreds of kilometers across.
NASA [nasa.gov]