Mini-magnetospheres above the lunar surface and the formation of lunar swirls

TL;DR

This study combines satellite data, theory, and lab experiments to demonstrate that mini-magnetospheres formed by collisionless shocks on the lunar surface can explain the origin of lunar swirl patterns by deflecting solar wind ions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept that small-scale collisionless shocks create mini-magnetospheres responsible for lunar surface features, supported by multi-modal validation.

Findings

Mini-magnetospheres form on the electron inertial scale.

Solar wind ion deflection correlates with lunar swirl locations.

Laboratory experiments validate the formation of collisionless shocks.

Abstract

In this paper we present in-situ satellite data, theory and laboratory validation that show how small scale collisionless shocks and mini-magnetospheres can form on the electron inertial scale length. The resulting retardation and deflection of the solar wind ions could be responsible for the unusual "lunar swirl" patterns seen on the surface of the Moon.