title: Minimagnetospheres above the lunar surface and the formation of lunar swirls.
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.
authors.affiliation: RAL Space, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, United Kingdom. Ruth.Bamford@stfc.ac.uk
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bamford
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kellett
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Bradford
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Norberg
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thornton
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Crawford
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gargaté
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bingham