Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1991
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991georl..18.2093i&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters (ISSN 0094-8276), vol. 18, Nov. 1991, p. 2093-2096.
Physics
25
Exosphere, Lunar Atmosphere, Lunar Composition, Monte Carlo Method, Sodium, Abundance, Coma, Lunar Craters, Meteorite Craters, Potassium
Scientific paper
A Monte Carlo model is used to study the random walk process of sodium atoms created by meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface. The collisional surface interaction is parameterized by a thermal accommodation coefficient of 0.5. Sodium atoms launched with initial velocities well below the surface escape velocity of 2.38 km/s are recycled and contribute to the formation of an exosphere with a temperature of about 500 K on the sunlit side. For large launch velocities (greater than 2 km/s) there is systematic transport of the escaping sodium atoms to the antisolar direction as a result of the acceleration effect of the solar radiation pressure. The present model calculations suggest that meteoroid impact effect (and solar wind sputtering) should be the major supplier of the lunar sodium exosphere; the possible existence of an efficient loss mechanism of the sodium atoms during surface interaction is also indicated.
No associations
LandOfFree
The atomic sodium exosphere/coma of the moon does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The atomic sodium exosphere/coma of the moon, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The atomic sodium exosphere/coma of the moon will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1717567