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Critical velocity phenomena and the LTPWhen the relative velocity between magnetized plasma and neutral gas exceeds a critical value, the gas-plasma interaction is dominated by collective phenomena which rapidly excite and ionize the neutrals. The interaction of the solar wind with a large cloud (between 10 to the 24th and 10 to the 28th power neutrals) vented from the moon should be of this type. Line radiation from such an interaction can yield an apparent lunar surface brightness rivaling reflected sunlight levels over small areas, if the kinetic-energy flow density of the gas is sufficiently high. The aberrated solar-wind flow past the moon would enhance the visibility of such interactions near the lunar sunrise terminator, supporting the statistical studies which indicate that the 'Lunar Transient Phenomena' (anomalous optical phenomena on the moon) are significantly correlated with the position of the terminator on the lunar surface.
Document ID
19770059472
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Srnka, L. J.
(Lunar Science Institute Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1977
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
77A42324
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSR-09-051-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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