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Multipoint Observation of the Solar Wind Interaction with Strong Lunar Magnetic Anomalies by ARTEMIS Spacecraft and Chang’E-4 Rover

Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: A shock or a mini-magnetosphere was once thought to be formed by the solar wind interaction with strong lunar magnetic anomalies. However, the full structure of a mini-magnetosphere has never been verified and whether a mini-magnetosphere can be completely formed remains a controversy. In this work, we present a unique multipoint observation of such an interaction by the ARTEMIS spacecraft and the Chang’E-4 rover. Both solar wind deceleration and penetration are observed by the Chang’E-4 rover on the lunar surface near the magnetic anomaly. Meanwhile, a shock is observed by the ARTEMIS spacecraft downstream from the magnetic anomaly. It is suggested that the magnetic anomaly cannot stand off the solar wind, and there is no shock but just a boundary layer near the magnetic anomaly. Accordingly, a mini-magnetosphere is not completely formed and the downstream shock observed the ARTEMIS spacecraft just corresponds to a trailing shock.
DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ac903f
Authors: Lianghai Xie, Lei Li, Aibing Zhang, Huizi Wang, Quanqi Shi, Jindong Wang, Yiteng Zhang, Bin Zhou, Yongyong Feng, Jinbin Cao, Dafei Li, Shaojin Han
Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Space Science Center, State Key Laboratory of Space Weather, Shandong University, Beihang University, Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,400
OpenAlex ID: W4297905596
FWCI: 1.2
Cites: 24
Cited by: 14
Related to: 10