The three-dimensional structure of the lunar plasma wake

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

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Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Lunar Magnetic Fields, Magnetohydrodynamic Flow, Plasma Density, Plasma Flux Measurement, Solar Wind, Astronomical Models, Computerized Simulation, Explorer 35 Satellite, Three Dimensional Flow, Wakes

Scientific paper

The interaction of an unsteady plasma flow with the conducting model of the moon is analyzed on the basis of a numerical simulation. Theoretical profiles of the magnetic field and plasma density in the steady-state lunar wake are plotted in both the equatorial and prime-meridional planes, and disturbances caused by the passage of solar-wind discontinuities are examined. The calculated profiles are found to be in fairly good agreement with experimental profiles obtained by Explorer 35. It is shown that magnetic-field disturbances in the steady-state lunar wake have a three-dimensional structure and that the magnetic-field profile is monotonic in the equatorial plane, but periodic in the prime-meridional plane. It is concluded that plasma-density disturbances are caused principally by solar-wind discontinuities and that magnetic-field disturbances result from solar-wind discontinuities, drift currents, and currents in the lunar core.

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