PIC simulation of plasma waves above lunar magnetic anomaly

Abstract:

We simulated the interaction between solar wind and lunar magnetic anomaly. Reiner Gamma anomaly (7.4°N, 300.9°E) and average solar wind parameters are used for our simulation. To increase spatial resolution for wave analysis, simulation geometry was restricted to 2-dimension. At the top of simulation box, continuous solar wind particle injection was designed to reproduce steady solar wind condition and particles left through the bottom side of simulation box.

Mini-magnetosphere was formed above the lunar surface as a result of the interaction between solar wind particle and dipole magnetic field. As it affect incident solar wind particles, electromagnetic field fluctuations were generated and wave structures were observed above mini magnetosphere.