Scientists have solved why the Moon’s dust cloud is uneven: heat. Using computer models, researchers found that meteor impacts on the Moon’s sunlit surface fling 6–8% more dust into space than on the cold night side, creating a lopsided halo. NASA warns this dust could threaten future landers and astronauts.Scientists have solved why the Moon’s dust cloud is uneven: heat. Using computer models, researchers found that meteor impacts on the Moon’s sunlit surface fling 6–8% more dust into space than on the cold night side, creating a lopsided halo. NASA warns this dust could threaten future landers and astronauts.