Solar winds react with the lunar surface and its magnetic field to create dark ...

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'Sunburn' scars have been discovered on the surface of the moon created by particles travelling across space from the sun. 

These white regions indicate areas of natural 'sunscreen' that protect the Earth's natural satellite against damaging radiation from the sun.

Dark marks are created when the solar wind reacts with the lunar surface, while white patterns can be seen in areas protected from these damaging particles by the moon's magnetic field.

Nasa scientists hope studying these areas could help astronauts from the sun's powerful rays on future explorations of the moon.

Areas with natural protection could one day be used as landing zones for missions to the moon - or even areas where permanent colonies may be established.

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Unlike the Earth which is entirely surrounded by a magnetic field that protects all the living species, the moon has localised 'spots' of magnetic field.

John Keller of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland that spotted the patterns, said:

'These patterns, called 'lunar swirls,' appear almost painted on the surface of the moon. 

'They are unique; we've only seen these features on the moon, and their origin has remained a mystery since their discovery.'  

As part of the project, Nasa's scientists created computer models of how the moon's magnetic shield interacts with the sun's solar winds to create these swirling patterns. 

Nasa said: 'The new models reveal that the magnetic field can create a strong electric field when the solar wind attempts to flow through. 

'It is this brawny electric potential of many hundreds of Volts that could deflect and slow particles in the solar wind.'