The Apollo 15 subsatellite magnetometer data have been used to map the lunar magnetic field over a narrow band of the lunar surface. Within this band the magnetic field is generally stronger and more variable over the farside highlands than the nearside maria. The correspondence between the strong variable lunar field regions and the source regions for limb compressions suggests that limb compressions arise as the result of the deflection of the solar wind just upstream of the terminator by the lunar magnetic field. Using this apparent relationship between field strength and limb compression source regions, it is deduced that the field strength in the northern farside highlands is not as strong as in the southern hemisphere at similar longitudes. Simultaneous measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field obtained by Explorer 35 and the Apollo 15 subsatellite above the dayside hemisphere are essentially identical. Thus, both instruments are measuring the undisturbed interplanetary field.


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    Title :

    Subsatellite measurements of the lunar magnetic field


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Lunar Science Conference ; 1973 ; Houston, TX


    Publication date :

    1973-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Apollo 15 and 16 subsatellite magnetometer measurements of the lunar magnetic field.

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