Real-time simulation of effective solar irradiance and electric field on the Aristarchus region based on SLDEM2015 data

Abstract

Taking the Aristarchus region on the Moon as an example, the slope and azimuth of the lunar surface obtained from the high-precision digital elevation model (SLDEM2015) would be used to calculate the effective solar irradiance at noon from 2025 to 2045 when the Aristarchus region is at the perihelion summer/winter solstice and aphelion summer/winter solstice. Second, based on the current balance theory, the equilibrium surface potential and the vertical electric field are calculated. The results show that the topography, lunar latitude, Sun-Moon distance, and seasons have important effects on the distribution characteristics of effective solar irradiance, equilibrium surface potential, and vertical electric field. In addition, it is found that the distance between the Sun and the Moon has a considerable influence on the effective solar irradiation, equilibrium surface potential, and electric field than the seasonal variation. This can provide some support and basis for the time selection of unmanned and manned lunar exploration missions, simulation of landing site environment characteristics, use of solar energy, and early warning and prediction of lunar dust environment.