1.
Phys Rev Lett
; 109(8): 081101, 2012 Aug 24.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23002733
ABSTRACT
In this paper we present in situ satellite data, theory, and laboratory validation that show how small-scale collisionless shocks and minimagnetospheres 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.