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Artificial Magnetic Fields on Moon Base

 

A Moon Base occupied by humans will need protection from galactic cosmic rays in order for astronauts to endure any duration of time on the lunar surface.  Galactic cosmic rays, or GCRs, can be deflected by an artificial magnetic field constructed on the Moon Base.

A magnetic field is typically generated by running current through a loop of wire:

A circular loop structure can be constructed about a Moon Base, raised on supports containing many loops of wire, to yield a magnetic field with similar strength as the Earth’s magnetic field.

     

An artificial magnetic field is constructed about a Moon Base to shield against GCRs.  Astronauts can walk anywhere within the magnetic field and remain protected from galactic cosmic rays.  The magnetic field lines extend several meters beyond the circular structure.

 

A lunar base with magnetic shielding were considered in the past, but unlike the open concept shown above, closed circular structures with a magnetic shield are shown in the following artists renditions:

                             

   

For a lunar space station, a toroidal design is thought to be the ideal structure to shield against GCRs.  Since plans are already underway for the Gateway lunar space station,  currently shown as non-toroidal, this can be considered a quick-transfer station for astronauts who arrive in spacecraft capsules then transfer to the Moon’s surface via lunar landers.  This part of the mission can coincide with a 3-4 day window each month where the Moon is protected by the Earth’s magnetosphere.  For the trip enroute, a spacecraft is protected by Earth’s magnetosphere for nearly the entire trip to the Moon.