ARTEMIS observations of the solar wind proton scattering function from lunar crustal magnetic anomalies.

ABSTRACT: Despite their small scales, lunar crustal magnetic fields are routinely associated with observations of reflected and/or backstreaming populations of solar wind protons. Solar wind proton reflection locally reduces the rate of space weathering of the lunar regolith, depresses local sputtering rates of neutrals into the lunar exosphere, and can trigger electromagnetic waves and small-scale collisionless shocks in the near-lunar space plasma environment. Thus, knowledge of both the magnitude and scattering function of solar wind protons from magnetic anomalies is crucial in understanding a wide variety of planetary phenomena at the Moon. We have compiled 5.5 years of ARTEMIS (Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun) observations of re

SUBMITTER: Poppe AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7802739 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature