Lunar interaction with the solar wind - Effects on lunar electrical conductivity estimatesThe lunar electromagnetic response, measured at very low frequencies with the moon in the solar wind, is used to evaluate interior electrical conductivity at great depth and to determine limits on the size of possible lunar core. A theory is developed wherein compression of the magnetic field in the lunar tail cavity caused by inflowing plasma at the lunar limbs and in the lunar wake, bends the magnetic field in the lunar interior and thereby alters the tangential component of magnetic field observed on the dayside surface. This theory strongly indicates that cavity fringing cannot explain the enhanced East-West fluctuations. It is proposed that the East-West fluctuations might be due to diamagnetic currents caused by lunar surface photoelectrons in the lunar terminator region.
Document ID
19790055258
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Goldstein, B. E. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)