Geophysicists have noticed a dust cloud.
American geophysicists have discovered a new structure in the exosphere of the moon, enveloping the Earth satellite. In particular, they found traces of the permanent presence of the particles therein with a diameter of 20-30 nm. A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience.
The scientists compared the data of two spectral observations. One of them was made at the time of maximum activity of the meteor shower Quadrantids, the other minimal. Particles with a diameter of 20-30 nanometers have been detected in the first observation. They are located at an altitude of about 50 kilometers above the surface of the satellite.
Data were obtained in the framework of the LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer), involving the study of the weak lunar atmosphere and its outer shell — ectosphere. Previously, it was possible to detect particles with a diameter of 300-475 nanometers.
The device LADEE was launched September 6, 2013 and was in orbit around the moon for six months. Before him, scientists found regular asymmetric dust cloud around the satellite.
