Behavior of Na atoms in the lunar exosphere during activity of meteor showers

Abstract

The chemical composition of gas-phase species released to the lunar exosphere during meteoroid impacts has been analyzed. Majority of impact-produced metal-containing molecules are destroyed by the solar photons because typical photolysis lifetimes are shorter than ballistic flight times. Energies of metal atoms produced via photolysis of its monoxides are estimated. The column density of impact-produced Na atoms in the exosphere during activity of main meteor shower and quiet periods are estimated. In searching for impact-produced Na atoms in the lunar exosphere, it is better to perform spectral observations during activity of the main meteor showers at altitudes of about 1000–2000 km, lunar eclipses, and during passages of the Moon through the Earth's magnetosphere.

Keywords

• meteor showers
• lunar surface
• lunar exosphere