Could a particle beam reach the surface of the moon?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential of using a particle beam to reach the surface of the moon and whether it would diffuse too much or need to be continually focused. The expert explains that while particle beams can easily reach the moon from space, they are not like lasers and focusing them would be pointless. Additionally, even if the atmosphere is not a factor, there is no realistic way to focus the beam enough to induce any relevant heating on the moon's surface. The idea of using the LHC to take out a "jade rabbit" on the moon is deemed unrealistic due to the beam's large opening angle.
  • #1
bauhaus
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Could a particle(proton, gold ion, electron) beam reach the surface of the moon, given current technology? Would the beam diffuse too much too scenter the regolith? Or would the beam have to be focused or continually refocused in order to achieve that? If so why can they do it with laser (photon beams) into a reflector but not be able to focus a particle beam from Earth onto the lunar surface? Thank you for any insight.
 
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  • #2
The atmosphere would stop every reasonable beam sent from the surface, a particle beam sent from space could easily reach the moon. But where is the point? You cannot do lunar ranging with particle beams, there is no suitable mirror, amongst other issues.

What do you mean with "scenter the regolith"?
 
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  • #3
Why would anyone want to do that? Ans what is "scenter"?
 
  • #4
I assume he means "scatter the regolith", although I too am puzzled as to why anyone would want to bother.
 
  • #5
Thank you so much for your response, I found it very helpful. :-)

Sinter as in sintering, my bad. "The atmosphere would stop every reasonable beam sent from the surface, a particle beam sent from space could easily reach the moon." Do diffusion/difraction is not an issue. You must just increase the beam size and power to make up for the loss of particle collisions with atmospheric particles(gases). So scaling up at some point so many of them will get through that some will hit the surface of the moon. If you turned the LHC onto the direction of the moon you could take out a "jade rabbit."
 
  • #6
bauhaus said:
You must just increase the beam size and power to make up for the loss of particle collisions with atmospheric particles(gases).
Particle beams are not like lasers. At low energy they just get stopped completely. At sufficient energy they start showers. If the particles are high-energetic enough some shower products (but not the original particles) leave the atmosphere, but then every attempt of collimating them is completely pointless.

Even ignoring the atmosphere, there is no realistic way to focus a beam well enough to induce any relevant heating at the moon.
bauhaus said:
If you turned the LHC onto the direction of the moon you could take out a "jade rabbit."
No you could not. You could not even induce any notable signal.
 
  • #7
bauhaus said:
If you turned the LHC onto the direction of the moon you could take out a "jade rabbit."

No, you couldn't. The beam would have an opening angle of at least .05 degrees - maybe more - and as such would illuminate a spot about 25 miles in radius. That will put 5% of the energy received in a second's worth of sunlight onto the illuminated surface.
 

1. How far can a particle beam travel?

A particle beam can travel long distances, with some beams reaching distances of millions of kilometers. However, the exact distance a particle beam can travel depends on various factors such as the type of particles, the energy of the beam, and any potential obstacles in its path.

2. What is a particle beam made of?

A particle beam is typically made of subatomic particles such as protons, electrons, or ions. These particles are accelerated to high speeds using specialized equipment like particle accelerators before being released in a beam.

3. How could a particle beam reach the surface of the moon?

A particle beam could potentially reach the surface of the moon through the use of a powerful particle accelerator and a precise targeting system. The beam would need to be directed towards the moon and have enough energy to overcome the Earth's gravitational pull.

4. Would a particle beam have any impacts on the moon's surface?

Yes, a particle beam could have significant impacts on the moon's surface. The high-energy particles in the beam could create craters or cause other forms of damage upon impact. However, the extent of this impact would depend on the intensity and duration of the beam.

5. What are the potential applications of using a particle beam to reach the moon?

The potential applications of using a particle beam to reach the moon are vast. It could be used for scientific research, such as studying the moon's composition and structure. It could also have practical uses, such as delivering supplies or materials to a future moon base or aiding in space exploration missions.

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