Phys.org February 20, 2019
Where our atmosphere merges into outer space, there is a cloud of hydrogen atoms called the geocorona. An international team of researchers (Russia, France, Finland) found that the measurements made in 1996, 1997 and 1998 showed geocorona extends at least up to 100 Earth Radii encompassing the orbit of the Moon. The extra source of hydrogen is not significant enough to facilitate space exploration. These particles do not pose any threat for space travelers on future crewed missions orbiting the moon. But the Earth’s geocorona could interfere with future astronomical observations performed in the vicinity of the moon…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
The extent of Earth’s geocorona. Where Earth’s atmosphere merges into outer space, there is a cloud of hydrogen atoms called the geocorona. Note: the illustration is not to scale. Credit: ESA