Understanding the lunar surface and space-Moon interactions

Paul Lucey, Randy L. Korotev, Jeffrey J. Gillis, Larry A. Taylor, David Lawrence, Bruce A. Campbell, Rick Elphic, Bill Feldman, Lon L. Hood, Donald Hunten, Michael Mendillo, Sarah Noble, James J. Papike, Robert C. Reedy, Stefanie Lawson, Tom Prettyman, Olivier Gasnault, Sylvestre Maurice

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

345 Scopus citations

Abstract

Studies of the Moon's atmosphere, once a topic of only speculation, is now an active research field in comparative atmospheric science. State-of-the-art observational tools have transformed the available database and numerical simulations offer insights and tests of physical processes. Future observational work will center on attempts to identify species other than Na and K (i.e., the major constituents), probably requiring dedicated space-based ultraviolet observations. Modeling efforts will concentrate on the variability patterns associated with sources (i.e., as illustrated in Fig. 2.58); laboratory experiments will explore surface sputtering efficiencies and yields. Thus, our closest cosmic neighbor continues to fascinate us, and its role as a laboratory-in-space for the study of surface-boundary-exospheres will continue to enrich the study of primitive bodies in the solar system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)83-219
Number of pages137
JournalReviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry
Volume60
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology

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