Earth's Magnetic Field May Cause a Problem for Going Back to the Moon

This short article brings up an interesting problem for returning to the Moon. While the article does not give nearly enough detail or much of a scientific explanation, it does explain that astronauts may have trouble on the Moon if they arrive during the time period (2020) predicted by most countries. At that time, the Moon will be in an orbit which passes it through the densest portion of the plasmasheet (a portion of the Earth's magnetic field). Passing through the plasmasheet basically charges portions of the lunar surface with static electricity. Such charges could damage or ruin equipment astronauts need (like the systems on the return craft). They could also affect the dust, a major concern for astronauts on the Moon. If these predictions prove to be valid concerns, all is not lost. The Moon shifts its orbit on an 18 year cycle. This is why our last visit was not a problem. We got lucky and landed at a time when the fields were weak. To repeat our lucky landing, we would just have to wait a few more years, probably ten at most, before going back to the Moon is safe for astronauts. Well, as safe as it ever is.