An earth-based, infrared lunar mapper for thermal and composition studies.

Area of Science:

• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Planetary Science
• Instrumentation and Measurement

Background:

• Understanding lunar surface composition and thermal patterns is crucial for lunar exploration and resource identification.
• Previous methods for mapping lunar characteristics were limited in resolution and compositional analysis capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate novel equipment for creating pictorial maps of lunar radiance patterns.
• To enable the study of potential variations in lunar surface composition through spectral analysis.

Main Methods:

• A motor-driven platform scans a rectangular raster in the image plane of an astronomical telescope.
• A liquid helium-cooled germanium detector analyzes a 15 arcmin square field, with its signal modulating a glow lamp to build a pictorial image.
• The equipment operates in radiometric mode for thermal mapping and compositional study mode for spectral comparison with mineral specimens.

Main Results:

• The system successfully produces pictorial displays of lunar thermal patterns.
• Compositional similarity between lunar surface regions and mineral specimens is indicated by dark areas on the map, resulting from converse spectral signals.
• Pictorial examples demonstrating the equipment's capabilities in both radiometric and compositional modes are provided.

Conclusions:

• The developed equipment is effective for generating detailed pictorial maps of lunar thermal radiance and surface composition.
• This technology offers a new approach for in-situ analysis of lunar surface properties, aiding future exploration missions.
• The ability to compare lunar spectra with known mineral spectra opens avenues for identifying lunar resources and understanding geological history.