The Interaction Between the Moon and the Solar Wind
Abstract
Bodies that lack a significant atmosphere and internal magnetic fields, such as the Moon, are obstacles to the solar wind. The solar wind ions and electrons directly impact the surface of the Moon due to the lack of atmosphere. Here we investigate the global Moon-solar wind interaction using a hybrid model (particle ions and fluid electrons). We focus in particular on the effects of non-uniform internal resistivity on the Moon-solar wind interaction. From seismic and magnetic field measurements it has been inferred that the Moon should have a conducting core, surrounded by a resistive shell. How does the presence of a core modify the solar wind interaction? Are the effects observable?
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012AGUFM.P43D1940H
- Keywords:
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- 2780 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS / Solar wind interactions with unmagnetized bodies;
- 5421 PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLID SURFACE PLANETS / Interactions with particles and fields;
- 6250 PLANETARY SCIENCES: SOLAR SYSTEM OBJECTS / Moon;
- 7833 SPACE PLASMA PHYSICS / Mathematical and numerical techniques