2026 ARTEMIS SCIENCE NUGGETS
SUMMARIES OF ARTEMIS RESEARCH
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Masahisa Kato, February 2026Solar Activity Dependence of the Dayside Lunar Surface Potential in the Terrestrial Magnetotail
The electric potential of the lunar surface, which represents how strongly the surface is electrically charged, changes to balance incoming and outgoing charged particles. Understanding the electrostatic environment of the Moon is important for future exploration, as surface charging can affect both scientific instruments and human safety. We combine downward electron observations from ARTEMIS, spanning a full solar cycle, with modeled upward photoelectron energy distributions to estimate the surface potential. Read more.
Wensai Shang, March 2026A Galactic Cosmic Ray Cavity in Earth-Moon Space
Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) are highly energetic particles that travel through space and pose one of the greatest radiation risks for deep-space exploration. Long-term observations from Chang’E-4 mission reveal an unexpected region near the Moon where the intensity of these particles is significantly reduced, forming a previously unknown “GCR cavity” in Earth-Moon space, with ARTEMIS providing continuous monitoring of IMF and solar wind conditions. Read more.
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Emmanuel Masongsong / emasongsong@igpp.ucla.edu