NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Induced and permanent magnetism on the moon - Structural and evolutionary implications.It is shown that the moon possesses an extraordinary response to induction from the solar wind due to a combination of a high interior electrical conductivity together with a relatively resistive crustal layer into which the solar wind dynamic pressure forces back the induced field. The dark side response, devoid of solar wind pressure, is approximately that expected for the vacuum case. These data permit an assessment of the interior conductivity and an estimate of the thermal gradient in the crustal region. The discovery of a large permanent magnetic field at the Apollo 12 site corresponds approximately to the paleomagnetic residues discovered in both Apollo 11 and 12 rock samples. The implications regarding an early lunar magnetic field are discussed and it is shown that among the various conjectures regarding the early field the most prominent are either an interior dynamo or an early approach to the earth though no extant model is free of difficulties.
Document ID
19720029443
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Sonett, C. P.
Dyal, P.
Colburn, D. S.
Mihalov, J. D.
Parkin, C. W.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Smith, B. F.
Schubert, G.
(California, University Los Angeles, Calif., United States)
Schwartz, K.
(American Nucleonics Corp. Woodland Hills, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1971
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Meeting Information
Meeting: Highlights of astronomy. Volume 2 - International Astronomical Union, General Assembly
Location: Brighton
Start Date: August 18, 1970
End Date: August 27, 1970
Accession Number
72A13109
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available