Other
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufm.p41c1639c&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #P41C-1639
Other
[6250] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Moon
Scientific paper
F. Cipriani (1), A. Hilgers(1), D. Rodgers(1) (1) ESA/ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands (fabrice.cipriani@esa.int / Fax: +31-71-5654697) Characterizing the Moon's electrostatically charged regolith, the levitation and transport of charged dust grains and their role in the surface current balance, is of primary importance to prepare future lunar missions. Observations carried out during Apollo missions brought evidence for a dust levitation process [1] and allowed to study lunar grains charging characteristics [2]. Lately, Lunar Prospector electron reflectometry data allowed to gain insights into the magnitude and the variability of lunar surface charging, revealing significant electrostatic potentials under different plasma conditions, depending on the Moon's local environment (Solar Wind, tail lobes, Earth's plasma sheet) (see e.g. [3,4]). Although theoretical studies have tackled the problem of regolith and dust grains charging, numerical modeling tools can be useful to simulate dust charging and transport over the complex features of the lunar topography, including the effects of the near surface magnetic environment, and interaction with mission elements as a lunar lander [5]. In the present study we use on the one hand a 3D PIC simulation code to investigate, under simplifying assumptions: 1) charging of the lunar surface under different plasma conditions encountered along the Moon orbit, 2) charging of a complex surface feature (typically a crater), and 3) charging, levitation and transport of dust grains in the near surface environment. One the other hand, we analyze limitations of the current tool and the physics to be further implemented in order to address dust charging and transport processes at the Moon surface relevant to the exploration of the Moon. References [1] Stubbs et al, (2006) Advance in Space Research, 37, 59-66 [2] Horanyi et al, (1998) JGR, Volume 103, Issue E4 [3] Halekas et al, (2008) JGR, Volume 113, Issue A9 [4] Poppe et al, (2011) GRL, Volume 38, L02103 [5] Poppe et al, (2010) JGR, Volume 115, A08106
Cipriani Fabio
Hilgers A. M.
No associations
LandOfFree
Modelling elements for the Moon s near surface dusty plasma environment characterization 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 Modelling elements for the Moon s near surface dusty plasma environment characterization, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modelling elements for the Moon s near surface dusty plasma environment characterization will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-871644