Surface charging of a crater near lunar terminator

[摘要] Past lunar missions have shown the presence of dust particles in the lunar exosphere. These particles originate from lunar surface and are due to the charging of lunar surface by the solar wind and solar UV flux. Near the lunar terminator region, the low conductivity of the surface and small scale variations in surface topology could cause the surface to charge to different surface potentials. This paper simulates the variation of surface potential for a crater located in the lunar terminator regions using Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software (SPIS). SPIS employs particle in cell method to simulate the motion of solar wind particles and photoelectrons. Lunar crater has been found to create mini-wake which affects both electron and ion density and causes small scale potential differences. Simulation results show potential difference of 300 V between sunlit area and shadowed area which creates suitable condition for dust levitation to occur.

[发布机构] Department of Communication Engineering, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, Johor; 86400, Malaysia^1

[效力级别] 无线电电子学

[关键词] Electron and ion densities;Low conductivity;Particle in cell method;Potential difference;Solar wind particles;Suitable conditions;Surface charging;Surface topology