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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 83-219 |
Number of pages | 137 |
Journal | Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry |
Volume | 60 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Geochemistry and Petrology