Lunar Surface Charging: A Global Perspective Using Lunar Prospector Data

Details Lunar Surface Charging: A Global Perspective Using Lunar Prospector Data Lunar Surface Charging: A Global Perspective Using Lunar Prospector Data

Jan 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007esasp.643..181s&link_type=abstract

Workshop on Dust in Planetary Systems (ESA SP-643). September 26-30 2005, Kauai, Hawaii. Editors: Krueger, H. and Graps, A., p.1

Physics

7

Scientific paper

The electrostatic charging of the lunar surface is caused by its interaction with the local plasma environment and solar UV and X-ray induced photoemission of electrons. Probe equations are used here to calculate electrostatic lunar surface potentials as a function of angle from the subsolar point, thus giving a global perspective on charging processes. Since the Moon is in the solar wind plasma flow for most of its orbit, surface potentials are first determined for typical fast and slow stream conditions. They are then calculated using data from the Electron Reflectometer aboard Lunar Prospector. The latter reveals how the hot tenuous plasma of the lunar wake drives large negative surface potentials (up to -200 V) on the nightside of the Moon. Lunar surface charging in the Earth's magnetosphere is also discussed, with initial predictions indicating that the nightside charges to ~ -600 V in the plasma sheet. The ability to predict surface potentials is vital for understanding the lunar environment; in particular, processes such as ion sputtering and electrically-driven dust transport. The latter is especially important since dust significantly interfered with Apollo exploration activities.

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