Diamagnetic Solar-Wind Cavity Discovered behind Moon

Preliminary Ames-magnetometer data from Explorer 35, the lunar orbiter, show no evidence of a lunar bow shock. However, an increase of the magnetic field by about 1.5 gamma (over the interplanetary value) is evident on Moon's dark side, as well as dips in field strength at the limbs. Interpreta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1967-11, Vol.158 (3804), p.1040-1042
Main Authors: Colburn, D. S., Currie, R. G., Mihalov, J. D., Sonett, C. P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earths Moon
Electric current
Field strength
Interplanetary magnetic fields
Lunar orbits
Magnetic fields
Mathematical vectors
Solar orbits
Solar wind
Spacecraft orbits
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Summary:Preliminary Ames-magnetometer data from Explorer 35, the lunar orbiter, show no evidence of a lunar bow shock. However, an increase of the magnetic field by about 1.5 gamma (over the interplanetary value) is evident on Moon's dark side, as well as dips in field strength at the limbs. Interpretation of these spatial variations in the field as deriving from plasma diamagnetism is consistent with a plasma void on the dark side, and steady-state (Ḅ = 0) magnetic transparency of Moon.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.158.3804.1040