Lunar elemental analysis obtained from the Apollo gamma-ray and X-ray remote sensing experiment
Abstract
Gamma ray and X-ray spectrometers carried in the service module of the Apollo 15 and 16 spacecraft were employed for compositional mapping of the lunar surface. The measurements involved the observation of the intensity and characteristics energy distribution of gamma rays and X-rays emitted from the lunar surface. A large scale compositional map of over 10 percent of the lunar surface was obtained from an analysis of the observed spectra. The objective of the X-ray experiment was to measure the K spectral lines from Mg, Al, and Si. Spectra were obtained and the data were reduced to Al/Si and Mg/Si intensity ratios and ultimately to chemical ratios. The objective of the gamma-ray experiment was to measure the natural and cosmic ray induced activity emission spectrum. At this time, the elemental abundances for Th, U, K, Fe, Ti, Si, and O have been determined over a number of major lunar regions.
- Publication:
-
Soviet-American Conference on the Cosmochemistry of the Moon and Planets
- Pub Date:
- 1974
- Bibcode:
- 1974map..confS...4T
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Rays;
- Lunar Composition;
- Remote Sensors;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Apollo Flights;
- Highlands;
- Lunar Maps;
- Lunar Maria;
- Lunar Spacecraft;
- Lunar Surface;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration