Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007agufm.p44a..05r&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2007, abstract #P44A-05
Physics
1517 Magnetic Anomalies: Modeling And Interpretation, 5440 Magnetic Fields And Magnetism, 5443 Magnetospheres (2756), 6250 Moon (1221)
Scientific paper
In this paper, we investigate more quantitatively the potential role of lunar crustal magnetization in producing swirl-like high-albedo markings on the lunar surface. For this purpose, we make use of a recently produced global map of the vector lunar magnetic field. Improving upon previously available data, the new map provides extended coverage of the strong Descartes Mountains anomaly and data for areas that had not previously been mapped. This global map was produced using LP-MAG data from quiet external conditions (when the Moon was in the solar wind and the spacecraft in the lunar wake, and data from the geomagnetic tail). However, passes were also identified where external field contamination was relatively low from times when the Moon was in the solar wind and the spacecraft was on the dayside. These data measure the combined crustal and solar wind magnetic fields. In combination with measurements from quiet external conditions, these data can be used to investigate the way in which the crustal anomalies interact with the solar wind and identify possible lunar mini- magnetospheres. Here, we present (1) forward modeling results of anomaly source properties, including source geometry and directions of magnetization, for isolated anomalies near craters Abel and Airy (using LP-MAG data from quiet external conditions), and (2) a comparison of LP-MAG measurements for the isolated anomalies obtained under different external conditions. These anomalies have been selected because they are both relatively strong, but while a high albedo marking has been mapped at Airy, it is not certain that there is an albedo anomaly at Abel. The model results will be used to discuss more quantitatively whether the sources of isolated anomalies are collocated with regions of unusual albedo, and whether the direction of magnetization affects the apparent association between the crustal anomalies and lunar albedo. The results comparing coverage of the Abel and Airy anomalies under different external conditions will be used to discuss the possible existence of mini-magnetospheres at those locations, further investigating the potential role of magnetization in producing high albedo swirls on the Moon.
Hood Lon L.
Richmond Nicola C.
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