Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1977
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1977pepi...15..303g&link_type=abstract
(Lunar Science Institute, Conference on Comparisons of Mercury and the Moon, Houston, Tex., Nov. 15-17, 1976.) Physics of the Ea
Physics
5
Irradiation, Low Molecular Weights, Mercury (Planet), Planetary Surfaces, Solar Wind, Cryotrapping, Lunar Soil, Lunar Surface, Planetary Evolution, Planetary Temperature, Proton Irradiation, Solar Flares
Scientific paper
Lunar sample studies have shown that solar-wind irradiation of the lunar surface has produced a variety of low-molecular-weight compounds. Analysis of the lunar soils has revealed the presence of H2, CH4, H2O, N2, CO, CO2, He, Ne and other components which are extralunar. Irradiation experiments on lunar materials and analogs have shown that solar-wind and solar-flare irradiation of the lunar surface produces selected low-molecular-weight components. Solar-wind irradiation of Mercury's surface should also produce a wide variety of low-molecular-weight species because of the increased solar flux, which results from Mercury being nearer the sun than the moon. The thermal regime of Mercury's surface would result in thermal evaporation of low-temperature components followed by 'cold-trapping' on the night-time side of the planet. Such desorption-adsorption processes assist chemical weathering of Mercury's regolith.
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