An update on modeled ion sputter yields of planetary bodies in agreement with recent experimental data

Abstract

Thin, collisionless atmospheres are created around otherwise atmosphere-free celestial bodies through space weathering processes. Impinging solar wind ions eject highly energetic particles into these atmospheres by sputtering. Some ejected particles escape from the atmosphere, some return to the surface or are ionized and might be caught in a surrounding magnetosphere or the solar wind plasma. This process can be observed far into space through ground based and in-situ observations.