Composition and dynamics of lunar atmosphereThe model of lunar atmosphere is updated to take into account new information on the dynamics and amounts of H2, He-4, Ne-20, Ar-36, and Ar-40. Helium and neon appear to be in close balance with the solar wind, although Ar-36 is depleted in the atmosphere, suggesting that surface materials are not saturated with argon. Atmospheric carbon compounds, which should result from the solar wind influx of carbon, remain undetected, as do nitrogen compounds. However, evidence of a volcanic gas release is presented, which suggests the transient presence of these elements.
Document ID
19740040254
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Hodges, R. R., Jr.
Hoffman, J. H.
Johnson, F. S. (Texas, University Dallas, Tex., United States)
Evans, D. E. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, Tex., United States)