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Lunar fossil magnetism and perturbations of the solar wind.Perturbations of the solar wind downstream of the moon and lying outside of the rarefaction wave that defines the diamagnetic cavity are used to define possible source regions comprised of intrinsically magnetized areas of the moon. A map of the moon is constructed showing that a model in which the sources are exposed to the grazing solar wind during the lunation yields a selenographically invariant set of regions strongly favoring the lunar highlands over the maria. An alternative model with the source due to electromagnetic induction is explored. The ages of the field sources should be consistent with those based on the basalt ages and possibly far older if the sources are connected with the formation of the highland rocks themselves. The perturbations are tentatively identified as weak shock waves, and a Mach angle in accord with nominal values for the solar wind is found.
Document ID
19720035478
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Sonett, C. P.
Mihalov, J. D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 77
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Accession Number
72A19144
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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