On the distributions of photoelectrons over the illuminated part of the moon
The existing view of the photoemission properties of lunar regolith does not provide the unambiguous treatment of the parameters and distributions of photoelectrons over the illuminated part of the Moon. This is indicated by the present calculations of the density, temperature, and distribution function of photoelectrons. It has been demonstrated that the quantum yield of lunar regolith is the main parameter determining the generation of photoelectrons near the surface of the Moon. At present, this parameter is determined with significant uncertainty. The measurement of the quantum yield of regolith directly on the surface of the Moon has been proposed as a variant of the solution of the indicated problem. Such measurements can be performed in the framework of future lunar missions.