In this image of D.R. Scott during the Apollo 15 mission to the Moon, the haze above the hills is caused by lunar dust on the camera lens. (Courtesy NASA)

The Colorado Center for Lunar Dust and Atmospheric Studies (CCLDAS) studies the lunar dust and plasma environment through a combination of modeling, theoretical work, and laboratory experiments. Our goal is to address basic physical and applied lunar science questions, including the long-term usability of mechanical and optical devices on the Moon.

We develop new experimental processes to determine:

• How a charged surface mobilizing dusty particles affects the lunar atmosphere
• How solar radiation affects the dusty lunar atmosphere
• How hazardous dust can be mitigated on lunar missions

Highlights of our work include:

• Experimental and theoretical investigations of dusty plasma and impact processes
• The development of new instrument concepts for future in-situ dust and plasma measurements on the surface of and in orbit around the Moon
• A complementary education and community development program