Lunar magnetic fields: implications for utilization and resource extraction

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although the Moon possesses no large-scale intrinsic magnetic field, locally strong crustal fields exist which must be considered in assessing lunar utilization scenarios. On the basis of available data, orbital anomalies most probably imply the presence of subsurface concentrations of metallic iron in the single-domain size range. Numerical simulations are employed to show that solar wind ion deflection by strong lunar magnetic anomalies can produce local increases, as well as decreases, in the implantation rate of solar wind hydrogen. The largest concentrations of implanted solar wind volatiles may therefore be found in local areas near strong anomalies. Model simulations indicate that the ability of magnetic anomalies to shield the surface from incident ions increases with the angle of incidence and hence for most particle sources, with selenographic latitude. -from Author

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)18,275-18,284
JournalJournal of geophysical research
Volume97
Issue numberE11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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