Energetic electron scattering from the lunar remanent magnetic field

We present a new technique for the detection of surface remanent magnetic fields from lunar orbiting spacecraft. Energetic (∼14 keV) electrons in the particle population surrounding the moon are observed by the Apollo 15 and 16 Subsatellite particle experiments to be scattered back up from the lunar surface by remanent magnetic fields. The regions of intense lunar remanent magnetization discovered by the Apollo 15 and 16 Subsatellite magnetometers are observed to strongly scatter the 14 keV electrons. In addition, several previously unreported regions of surface remanent magnetization on the lunar near‐side are evident from the electron observation. These appear to be located at the edges of mare. The measured pitch angle distributions and flux levels of these electrons are in agreement with computer simulations of electron scattering from a sub‐surface dipole. Since the scattered electron fluxes are essentially altitude independent and the spatial resolution is only limited by the particle gyro‐radius, this technique is capable of mapping surface remanent magnetization from a lunar orbiting satellite with high sensitivity and spatial resolution.