03/01/2023
By Lynne Schaufenbil
LoCSST/SSL are pleased to host Research Assistant Professor Carl A. Schmidt from Boston University's Center for Space Physics on Thursday, March 16 at 11 a.m.
Prof. Schmidt will present "Alkali emissions in the lunar atmosphere"
Abstract: Earth’s Moon possesses a thin exosphere that is constantly being supplied from its surface and escaping into space. Sodium and potassium are the only species in this exosphere that can be studied remotely, thanks to their uniquely bright ability to scatter visible wavelength sunlight. Multiple processes liberate these elements from the heterogeneous mineralogy of the lunar soil. Although by most accounts the moon is geologically dead, its exosphere exhibits an active dynamic balance that is influenced by Earth’s planetary magnetosphere, sporadic and cometary meteor influx, UV photoionization and atmospheric escape. This talk will describe how observations of alkali metals have shaped our understanding of the sources and sinks in the overall budget of the lunar atmosphere.
Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Lynne_Schaufenbil@uml.edu by March 10 for meeting location.