EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Harnett & Winglee 2000
Harnett, E.M. and Winglee, R. (2000). Two-dimensional MHD simulation of the solar wind interaction with magnetic field anomalies on the surface of the Moon. Journal of Geophysical Research 105: doi: 10.1029/2000JA000074. issn: 0148-0227.

Two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the solar wind interaction with the magnetized regions on the surface of the Moon suggest mini-magnetospheres can form around the regions on the Moon when the magnetic anomaly field strength is above 10 nT at 100 km above the surface (for a surface field strength of 290 nT) and when the solar wind ion density is below 40 cm-3, with typical observations placing anomalous magnetic field strengths around 2 nT at 100 km above the surface. The results suggest that not only can a bow shock and magnetopause form around the small anomalies, but their position and shape can change dramatically with changes in the solar wind conditions. A switch from southward to northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) causes the size of the mini-magnetosphere to increase by 90% and the magnetic field at various positions inside the bow shock to increase by a factor of 10. In addition to affecting the stand-off distance, changes in the IMF can also cause the mini-magnetosphere to go from very round to flat and elongated. The scale size of the mini-magnetospheres is 100 km for the range of typical solar wind conditions and the surface magnetic field strengths measured by Lunar Prospector. A stagnation point inside the shock region also exists for several solar wind conditions. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Solar Physics, Astrophysics, and Astronomy
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit