Research
The moon's fine dust, the result of millions of years of meteoritic bombardment, is highly electrostatically charged because of its exposure to the solar wind, UV radiation, and magnetospheric plasmas. Charged lunar dust moves in all directions, is lofted many kilometers above the lunar surface and sticks to anything it comes in contact with, creating challenges for instrument programs and human exploration of the moon.
The Colorado Center for Lunar Dust and Atmospheric Studies (CCLDAS) is an interdisciplinary program that addresses basic physical and applied questions regarding lunar dust and dusty plasma, including issues important to ensure human safety and long-term usability of mechanical and optical devices on the moon.
Dusty Plasma Processes at the Moon's Surface (click to reveal content)
'Horizon Glow' in the moon's atmosphere.
During the Apollo era, astronauts saw "horizon glow" and "streamers" in the moon's outmost atmosphere, or "exosphere." Since then many scientists have suggested that these phenomena were caused by sunlight scattered by dust grains in the exosphere. Questions about how lunar dust and dusty plasmas are charged, mobilized and transported remain at the center of lunar dust studies.
CCLDAS is developing a series of laboratory experiments, supplemented by state-of-the-art theory and modeling, to determine:- The properties of the near-surface plasma environment
- The charging of grains, the mobilization, lift-off, transport and adhesion
The results of these measurements will provide answers to open questions about the lunar surface and near surface environment and new physical insights of high value to lunar exploration planners.
Lunar dust makes for a harsh working environment. Click image to enlarge.
In previous missions, the moon has proved to be a harsh working environment primarily because of the large amount of dust liberated by human activity. Dust remains a primary engineering challenge as we try to minimize the deposition and inhalation of fine lunar dust in and on space suits, rovers and habitats. The adhesion of fine lunar dust to exposed surfaces is largely due to their electrostatic charge.
CCLDAS is conducting a series of laboratory experiments designed to explore the role of material properties the electrostatic charging of lunar dust and to determine the effects of UV and solar wind exposure on dust contamination. These experiments will provide a scientific basis for developing efficient dust hazard mitigation strategies.
A scanning electron microscope image of lunar dust.
CCLDAS experiments are leading to improved and tested tools for future in situ observations on the lunar surface. To characterize the near surface plasmas, fields, and dust environment, CCLCAS focuses on:
- The use of Langmuir and emissive plasma probes
- The measurement of the mass, charge and velocity distributions of both the mobilized lunar soil and the impacting meteoroids
Many of these instrument concepts are designed to meet the needs of future lunar missions, including the International Lunar Network (ILN).