Orbits of Submicron Lunar Ejecta in the Earth-Moon System

Abstract

Flux measurements of picogram dust particles near the lunar surface and in selenocentric and cis-lunar space made by Lunar Explorer 35, HEOS, and ALSOP dust experiments all indicate, to varying degrees, ejecta from lunar impacts of interplanetary dust particles. The orbits of these submicron particles in the earth-moon system are significantly altered by radiation pressure. Recent orbit calculations show that, in favorable lunar phases, as many as 80% of the ejecta may enter the magnetosphere and 20% may enter the earth's atmosphere. The results of this analysis are presented, and their implications are discussed.