Solar wind charge exchange observed through the lunar exosphere
Abstract
X-rays can be generated by charge exchange between highly-charged heavy solar wind ions and neutrals. Previously, simulations have only been performed for X-ray emission due to solar wind charge exchange (SWCX) with geocoronal and interstellar neutrals. However, X-rays can also be generated by SWCX with the Moon's tenuous exosphere, which should be detectable by an imaging X-ray instrument located on the Moon. In addition, lunar-based observations of X-ray emission originating from Earth's magnetosheath will be able to provide information on the dynamic response of the bow shock and magnetopause to solar wind variations. Furthermore, X-ray emissions from SWCX within the heliosphere constitute part of the soft X-ray background (SXRB) emission, competing with emissions originating from outside the solar system. Lunar observations of soft X-rays will give additional information about these charge exchange processes and be critical in removing the heliospheric component of the SXRB.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Research Letters
- Pub Date:
- November 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2009GL040834
- Bibcode:
- 2009GeoRL..3621102R
- Keywords:
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- Planetary Sciences: Comets and Small Bodies: Interactions with solar wind plasma and fields;
- Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects: Moon (1221);
- Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Exosphere