Chandrayaan-2 New Discovery: Study Identifies High Electron Densities in the Lunar Environment
As part of a major study conducted by the scientists from the Space Physics Laboratory of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), analyzing the radio signals from Chandrayaan-2 (CH-2) orbiter, it has been revealed that the Moon’s ionosphere has high electron densities when entering Earth’s geomagnetic tail. The study has therefore led to more findings: (1.) Plasma behavior in the lunar environment and (2.) Stronger influence of the Moon’s magnetic field.
Read more about it below.
High Electron Densities Identified in the Lunar Environment
Using an innovative method, scientists have conducted experiments with the help of the S-band Telemetry and Telecommand (TTC) radio signals, and in the two way radio occultation experiment, tracking radio transmissions from the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, high electron density of 23,000 electrons/cm3 were found in the lunar environment. This is revealed to be comparable with the densities observed at the wake region of the Moon, and about 100 times higher than the densities on the sunlit side.
Scientists have now proposed that plasma could be trapped with the presence of lunar crustal magnetic fields, and in order to confirm this, a Three-Dimensional Lunar Ionospheric Model (3D-LIM) was used to stimulate plasma dynamics under different conditions. Also, it was understood that to sustain high plasma densities like this, the ionosphere should be in photochemical equilibrium. This condition can only be achieved in the geotail, with the presence of crustal magnetic fields.
Furthermore, the high plasma densities that have been found is believed to help in future robotic and crewed missions that are to be conducted near the lunar orbital magnetic field, as it influences radio communications, interactions with lunar dust, and surface charging effects. Moreover, planning of lunar habitats particularly in crustal magnetic field influenced regions can be improved by understanding how the lunar ionosphere behaves in space environments.
To conclude, this study that was conducted unravels the complex plasma environment present around the moon, as well as it highlights Chandrayaan-2’s continued impact in lunar – space research.
