The Apollo gamma-ray spectrometer
Abstract
A gamma-ray spectrometer has been flown on the Apollo 15 and 16 spacecraft to determine the lunar-surface composition and measure the cosmic gamma-ray flux. The instrument included a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal coupled to a 7.6-cm photomultiplier tube, a plastic mantle for anti-coincidence rejection of charged particles, and 511 channels of analysis. Boom-mounted operation permitted a significant reduction in the background. The data were transmitted on an event-by-event basis. About 22% of the lunar surface was mapped and spectra of the cosmic gamma-ray flux over an energy range of 0.065-27.5 MeV have been obtained.
- Publication:
-
Nuclear Instruments and Methods
- Pub Date:
- 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0029-554X(74)90644-2
- Bibcode:
- 1974NucIM.118..401H
- Keywords:
-
- Apollo Spacecraft;
- Gamma Rays;
- Lunar Composition;
- Spectrometers;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Apollo 15 Flight;
- Apollo 16 Flight;
- Cosmic Rays;
- Lunar Exploration;
- Lunar Surface;
- Photomultiplier Tubes;
- Scintillation Counters;
- Spacecraft Instruments;
- Instrumentation and Photography