Observation of iron-rich coating on lunar grains and a relation to low albedo.
Abstract
The outermost few atomic layers of lunar soil samples were studied by Auger spectroscopy and were found to contain in each case two to three times more iron than the mean bulk composition of the sample. The amount of excess iron is found to be closely correlated with the optical albedo in the manner that would be theoretically expected if the iron provided absorption centers. Crushed lunar rocks of similar mean composition, but lacking the extra iron coating of the soil grains, have a much higher albedo than most lunar soils sampled or observed on the lunar surface.
- Publication:
-
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference Proceedings
- Pub Date:
- 1974
- Bibcode:
- 1974LPSC....5.2413G
- Keywords:
-
- Albedo;
- Auger Spectroscopy;
- Lunar Soil;
- Metal Coatings;
- Abundance;
- Electron Energy;
- Fines;
- Iron;
- Lunar Composition;
- Lunar Rocks;
- Solar Wind;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration