Covariational analysis of the correlation between lunar relief and the acceleration due to gravity
Abstract
Covariational functions for the lunar acceleration due to gravity and to topography are determined and analyzed. Gravimetric maps of radial-acceleration isolines based on Doppler observations by the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 command and service modules are used, as are elevation profiles of the lunar surface in the equatorial zone obtained by laser altimetry during the same Apollo flights. A weak linear correlation is found between the anomalous gravitational field and the equatorial topography on the nearside of the moon. It is concluded that the correlation may be associated with isostatic compensation of major regional inhomogeneities on the lunar nearside.
- Publication:
-
Astronomicheskii Vestnik
- Pub Date:
- October 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982AVest..16...87S
- Keywords:
-
- Acceleration (Physics);
- Covariance;
- Gravimetry;
- Gravity Anomalies;
- Lunar Gravitational Effects;
- Topography;
- Apollo 15 Flight;
- Apollo 16 Flight;
- Apollo 17 Flight;
- Autocorrelation;
- Doppler Effect;
- Equatorial Regions;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration