Earth’s magnetosphere casts a radiation shadow near the Moon, study finds

Scientists analyzing data from China’s Chang’e-4 lunar lander detected a localized ~20% dip in galactic cosmic rays during the Moon’s local morning, forming a radiation 'cavity' near the Moon likely carved by Earth's magnetic field. The result suggests Earth’s magnetosphere can influence space radiation beyond its immediate boundary and could help planners time surface activities to lower astronauts’ radiation exposure on future lunar missions.