Analyzing LDEX's Current Measurements in Lunar Orbit

Abstract The Lunar Dust Experiment (LDEX) on board the Atmosphere and Environment Explorer mission orbited Moon from 2014 September to 2015 April observed a dynamic, permanently present dust cloud produced by continual meteoroid bombardment. In addition measuring individual ejecta with radii >0.3 μ m, LDEX also recorded an integrated current of collective signal generated impacts smaller particles. From this signal, we explore potential for electrostatic lofting via twilight craters through correlation changes in lunar topography. As can contain numerous background contributions, start isolating regions transient enhancements signal. A consistent dayside enhancement is identified, solar wind ions reflected as energetic neutral atoms shown be feasible source. We do not detect any enhanced correlated antihelion bombardment or discernible due craters, suggesting that does contribute environment at high altitudes (≫1 km).