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Hybrid Simulation of the Shock Wave Trailing the MoonA standing shock wave behind the Moon was predicted by Michel (1967) but never observed nor simulated. We use 1D hybrid code in order to simulate the collapse of the plasma-free cavity behind the Moon and for the first time to model the formation of this shock. Starting immediately downstream of the obstacle we consider the evolution of plasma expansion into the cavity in the frame of reference moving along with the solar wind. Well-known effects as electric charging of the cavity affecting the plasma flow and counterstreaming ion beams in the wake are reproduced. Near the apex of the inner Mach cone where the plasma flows from the opposite sides of the obstacle meet, a shock wave arises. We expect the shock to be produced at periods of high electron temperature solar wind streams (T(sub i) much less than T(sub e) approximately 100 eV). The shock is produced by the interaction of oppositely directed proton beams in the plane containing solar wind velocity and interplanetary magnetic field vectors. In the direction across the magnetic field and the solar wind velocity, the shock results from the interaction of the plasma flow with the region of the enhanced magnetic field inside the cavity that plays the role of the magnetic barrier. The appearance of the standing shock wave is expected at the distance of approximately 7R(sub M) downstream of the Moon.
Document ID
20140010226
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Israelevich, P.
(Tel-Aviv Univ., Ramat-Aviv Tel-Aviv, Israel)
Ofman, Leon
(Catholic Univ. of America Washington, DC, United States)
Date Acquired
July 29, 2014
Publication Date
August 25, 2012
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Volume: 117
Issue: A8
Subject Category
Solar Physics
Report/Patent Number
GSFC-E-DAA-TN10038
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG11PL10A
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNX10AC56G
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Moon
Hybrid model
Shock Wave
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