Space weathering is a term used to describe the processes that occur on planetary surfaces due to exposure to the harsh space environment, including solar wind, cosmic rays, micrometeorite impacts, and UV radiation. These processes can alter the physical and chemical properties of the surface materials, leading to changes in their appearance and composition over time. Researchers study space weathering to better understand the evolution of planetary surfaces and the implications for future exploration missions. This research area is important for interpreting remote sensing data from planetary bodies and predicting the behavior of materials in space environments.