Moon dust could save the planet.
Dust fired from the Moon could save the planet
Scientists suggest that dust fired from the lunar surface into the middle ground between Earth and the Sun could act as a shield to block out radiation from the heart of the solar system and reduce the effects of global warming.
The researchers simulated the effects of shooting dust from a platform on the Moon towards the Sun and found that the properties of lunar dust mean that it works effectively as a sunshield.
Study co-author Scott Kenyon, of the Center of Astrophysics, said: "It is amazing to contemplate how moon dust - which took over four billion years to generate - might help slow the rise in the Earth's temperature, a problem that took us less than 300 years to produce."
However, other scientists not involved in the work think it could distract from easier ways to protect humanity.
Joanna Haigh, of Imperial College London, warned that the "carefully considered" study may justify a lack of action to protect the environment.
She said: "Perhaps the main problem, however, is the suggestion that implementation of such schemes will solve the climate crisis whereas it just gives the polluters an excuse not to act."