Electrostatic detachment of dust from the lunar surface: microscopic fluctuations could be the key

Abstract

We propose a solution to the fundamental problem and physical mechanism of dust detachment from the lunar surface. We conceptualize that the electrostatic charge fluctuation at microscopic scale could create a sufficient electric field and coulomb force to overcome the dust-surface adhesive force and detach the dust particles. Markovian process is manifested with Monte Carlo scheme to simulate the concept. The simulation establishes the random generation and annihilation of fluctuating charged microscopic spots. The results demonstrate the existence of microscopic charged spots, capable of inducing sufficient electric field and Coulomb force of the order of a few MV/m and 10s of pN, respectively, which creates favorable conditions for lunar dust detachment. This concept fits the gap and put forward a consistent mechanism describing dust dynamics and generation of dusty plasma scenario over Moon.