A model of the primordial lunar atmosphere

• Published in: Earth and planetary science letters Vol. 474; pp. 198 - 205
• Main Authors: Saxena, Prabal, Elkins-Tanton, Lindy, Petro, Noah, Mandell, Avi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Goddard Space Flight Center Elsevier B.V 15.09.2017; Elsevier
• Subjects: asymmetry; atmosphere; Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration; magma ocean; Moon; Oceanography; wave generation; atmosphere; asymmetry; magma ocean; Moon; wave generation; Moo

We create the first quantitative model for the early lunar atmosphere, coupled with a magma ocean crystallization model. Immediately after formation, the moon's surface was subject to a radiative environment that included contributions from the early Sun, a post-impact Earth that radiated like...