On the confinement of lunar induced magnetic fields

S. Fatemi; H. A. Fuqua; A. R. Poppe; G. T. Delory; J. S. Halekas; W. M. Farrell; M. Holmstrom

doi:10.1002/2015GL065576

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On the confinement of lunar induced magnetic fields

Journal article

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On the confinement of lunar induced magnetic fields

S. Fatemi, H. A. Fuqua, A. R. Poppe, G. T. Delory, J. S. Halekas, W. M. Farrell and M. Holmstrom

Geophysical research letters, Vol.42(17), pp.6931-6938

09/16/2015

DOI: 10.1002/2015GL065576

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Abstract

We examine the confinement of induced magnetic fields on the lunar dayside and nightside, when the Moon is in the solar wind. We use a three-dimensional hybrid model of plasma and place a dipole magnetic field at the center of the Moon to mimic the induced magnetic field, which is the response of the lunar interior to the time-varying interplanetary magnetic field. Consistent with previous observations and theoretical predictions, we show that the induced magnetic fields on the dayside are confined within the lunar surface through a dayside current sheet. In contrast to previous work, we show that the induced magnetic fields are not confined in the lunar wake, and they leak out, sometimes even appearing as lunar limb compressions. Finally, we identify favorable places to observe induced magnetic fields by electromagnetic sounding techniques, which will help to better constrain the lunar electrical conductivity profile, and interior structure.

Geology

Geosciences, Multidisciplinary

Physical Sciences

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: On the confinement of lunar induced magnetic fields
Creators: S. Fatemi - University of California, Berkeley
H. A. Fuqua - Ames Research Center
A. R. Poppe - University of California, Berkeley
G. T. Delory - University of California, Berkeley
J. S. Halekas - Ames Research Center
W. M. Farrell - Goddard Space Flight Center
M. Holmstrom - Swedish Institute of Space Physics
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Geophysical research letters, Vol.42(17), pp.6931-6938
Publisher: Amer Geophysical Union
DOI: 10.1002/2015GL065576
ISSN: 0094-8276
eISSN: 1944-8007
Number of pages: 8
Grant note: NNX14AG16A / NASA's SSERVI institute NESSF15 / NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship Program; National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)
Language: English
Date published: 09/16/2015
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy
Record Identifier: 9984428831002771

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