scholarly journals The abundance, distribution, and isotopic composition of Hydrogen in the Moon as revealed by basaltic lunar samples: Implications for the volatile inventory of the Moon

2013 ◽  
Vol 122 ◽  
pp. 58-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Tartèse ◽  
Mahesh Anand ◽  
Jessica J. Barnes ◽  
Natalie A. Starkey ◽  
Ian A. Franchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Isotopic Composition ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Abundance Distribution ◽  
Lunar Samples

scholarly journals Magnesium stable isotopes support the lunar magma ocean cumulate remelting model for mare basalts

2018 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Sedaghatpour ◽  
Stein B. Jacobsen
Keyword(s):  
Isotopic Composition ◽  
Isotopic Fractionation ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Magma Ocean ◽  
Isotopic Analyses ◽  
Lunar Samples ◽  
Lunar Basalts ◽  
Mg Isotopes ◽  
Isotopic Variations ◽  
Mare Basalts

We report high-precision Mg isotopic analyses of different types of lunar samples including two pristine Mg-suite rocks (72415 and 76535), basalts, anorthosites, breccias, mineral separates, and lunar meteorites. The Mg isotopic composition of the dunite 72415 (δ25Mg = −0.140 ± 0.010‰, δ26Mg = −0.291 ± 0.018‰), the most Mg-rich and possibly the oldest lunar sample, may provide the best estimate of the Mg isotopic composition of the bulk silicate Moon (BSM). This δ26Mg value of the Moon is similar to those of the Earth and chondrites and reflects both the relative homogeneity of Mg isotopes in the solar system and the lack of Mg isotope fractionation by the Moon-forming giant impact. In contrast to the behavior of Mg isotopes in terrestrial basalts and mantle rocks, Mg isotopic data on lunar samples show isotopic variations among the basalts and pristine anorthositic rocks reflecting isotopic fractionation during the early lunar magma ocean (LMO) differentiation. Calculated evolutions of δ26Mg values during the LMO differentiation are consistent with the observed δ26Mg variations in lunar samples, implying that Mg isotope variations in lunar basalts are consistent with their origin by remelting of distinct LMO cumulates.

scholarly journals Coordinated analysis of space weathering characteristics in lunar samples to understand water distribution on the Moon

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (S1) ◽  
pp. 2260-2262
Author(s):  
Alexander Kling ◽  
Michelle Thompson ◽  
Jennika Greer ◽  
Philipp Heck
Keyword(s):  
Water Distribution ◽  
Space Weathering ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Lunar Samples

scholarly journals 6. The Nature of Asteroid Surfaces, from Optical Polarimetry

1977 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 243-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Dollfus ◽  
J. E. Geake ◽  
J. C. Mandeville ◽  
B. Zellner
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Space Weathering ◽  
Carbonaceous Chondrites ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Laboratory Measurements ◽  
Surface Textures ◽  
Lunar Samples ◽  
Dark Material ◽  
Polarization Of Light ◽  
Scanning Electron

Telescopic observations of the polarization of light by asteroids are interpreted on the basis of a systematic polarimetric analysis of terrestrial, meteoritic and lunar samples. Laboratory measurements were made using samples with different surface textures, and scanning electron microscope pictures were used to investigate the influence of microtexture and crystalline structure.It is demonstrated that asteioid surfaces do not accumulate thick regolithic layers of micro-fragments, as do the Moon and Mercury. This is because the majority of debris ejected by impacts are lost, due to the low gravitational escape velocity from these bodies. However, asteroids are not bare rocks, but are coated with a thin layer of adhesive debris. This coating apparently has the composition of the body itself. The fact that there is no indication of significant maturation by space weathering suggests that the dust which coats the surface of asteroids is frequently replaced by further impacts.Asteroids may be classified polarimetrically in several groups: those in group C are made of very dark material and behave like carbonaceous chondrites, or very dark Fe-rich basalts; Those in group S correspond to silicates and stony meteorites. A third group represented by Asteroid 21 Lutetia and 16 Psyche may be metallic.

Concentration and Isotopic Composition of Carbon and Sulfur in Apollo 11 Lunar Samples

Science ◽  
1970 ◽  
Vol 167 (3918) ◽  
pp. 541-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. R. Kaplan ◽  
J. W. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Isotopic Composition ◽  
Lunar Samples

scholarly journals PREFACE

1977 ◽  
Vol 285 (1327) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Recent Decade ◽  
National Committee ◽  
Practical Reasons ◽  
Scientific Programme ◽  
Space Technology ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Related Space ◽  
Space Experiments ◽  
Lunar Samples ◽  
Academy Of Sciences

This volume presents papers delivered during the Royal Society discussion meeting held on 9-12 June 1975 under the auspices of the British National Committee on Space Research. The meeting was organized to present the findings of European and Commonwealth scientists who had participated in the analyses of lunar samples, both as principal and co-investigators in the Apollo lunar sample analysis programme and as analysts of the Luna samples provided by the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences under arrangements with national academies. Scientists from the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. were also invited to participate and so the meeting became sufficiently representative and its timing appropriate for the much needed attempt to review the whole of the work on lunar samples and the results of related space experiments. It was the purpose of the meeting, and of the Proceedings, to show how the new knowledge about the Moon, acquired over the recent decade from the intensive study made possible by the space technology developed in the U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R., had solved some and thrown light on other fundamental questions about the Moon. For practical reasons the meeting was overweighted in favour of British and European contributions; but this gave an opportunity for these laboratories to express their appreciation to N.A.S.A. and to the U.S.S.R Academy of Sciences for the opportunity to participate in a unique scientific programme. We hope that the publication will perform a service in bringing before scientists, and indeed the public in general, the remarkable increase in our understanding of the Moon which has resulted from the space programme and will show how international collaboration has been such an important feature of it.

The chlorine-isotopic composition of lunar KREEP from magnesian-suite troctolite 76535

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (8) ◽  
pp. 1270-1274
Author(s):  
Francis M. McCubbin ◽  
Jessica J. Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Isotopic Composition ◽  
Melt Inclusions ◽  
Melt Inclusion ◽  
Isotopic Fractionation ◽  
Magma Ocean ◽  
Geochemical Composition ◽  
Isotopic Compositions ◽  
Stable Isotopic ◽  
Lunar Samples

Abstract We conducted in situ Cl isotopic measurements of apatite within intercumulus regions and within a holocrystalline olivine-hosted melt inclusion in magnesian-suite troctolite 76535 from Apollo 17. These data were collected to place constraints on the Cl-isotopic composition of the last liquid to crystallize from the lunar magma ocean (i.e., urKREEP, named after its enrichments in incompatible lithophile trace elements like potassium, rare earth elements, and phosphorus). The apatite in the olivine-hosted melt inclusion and within the intercumulus regions of the sample yielded Cl-isotopic compositions of 28.3 ± 0.9‰ (2σ) and 30.3 ± 1.1‰ (2σ), respectively. The concordance of these values from both textural regimes we analyzed indicates that the Cl-isotopic composition of apatites in 76535 likely represents the Cl-isotopic composition of the KREEP-rich magnesian-suite magmas. Based on the age of 76535, these results imply that the KREEP reservoir attained a Cl-isotopic composition of 28–30‰ by at least 4.31 Ga, consistent with the onset of Cl-isotopic fractionation at the time of lunar magma ocean crystallization or shortly thereafter. Moreover, lunar samples that yield Cl-isotopic compositions higher than the value for KREEP are likely affected by secondary processes such as impacts and/or magmatic degassing. The presence of KREEP-rich olivine-hosted melt inclusions within one of the most pristine and ancient KREEP-rich rocks from the Moon provides a new opportunity to characterize the geochemistry of KREEP. In particular, a broader analysis of stable isotopic compositions of highly and moderately volatile elements could provide an unprecedented advancement in our characterization of the geochemical composition of the KREEP reservoir and of volatile-depletion processes during magma ocean crystallization, more broadly.

scholarly journals The New Moon: Major Advances in Lunar Science Enabled by Compositional Remote Sensing from Recent Missions

Geosciences ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 498
Author(s):  
Deepak Dhingra
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
The Moon ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Lunar Science ◽  
Lunar Interior ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Lunar Samples ◽  
Resource Exploration ◽  
Globally Distributed

Volatile-bearing lunar surface and interior, giant magmatic-intrusion-laden near and far side, globally distributed layer of purest anorthosite (PAN) and discovery of Mg-Spinel anorthosite, a new rock type, represent just a sample of the brand new perspectives gained in lunar science in the last decade. An armada of missions sent by multiple nations and sophisticated analyses of the precious lunar samples have led to rapid evolution in the understanding of the Moon, leading to major new findings, including evidence for water in the lunar interior. Fundamental insights have been obtained about impact cratering, the crystallization of the lunar magma ocean and conditions during the origin of the Moon. The implications of this understanding go beyond the Moon and are therefore of key importance in solar system science. These new views of the Moon have challenged the previous understanding in multiple ways and are setting a new paradigm for lunar exploration in the coming decade both for science and resource exploration. Missions from India, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and several private ventures promise continued exploration of the Moon in the coming years, which will further enrich the understanding of our closest neighbor. The Moon remains a key scientific destination, an active testbed for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) activities, an outpost to study the universe and a future spaceport for supporting planetary missions.

Structure in the upper lunar crust

1977 ◽  
Vol 285 (1327) ◽  
pp. 469-473 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Elastic Moduli ◽  
Velocity Profiles ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Rock Layer ◽  
Lunar Crust ◽  
Seismic Profiles ◽  
Lunar Samples

Estimates are made of the degree of lithification and of structure densities which are compatible with lunar in situ seismic profiles in the top 30 km of the Moon. Estimates are based on comparison of results of passive and active lunar seismic experiments with the pressure dependence of elastic moduli for various classes of lunar samples. Competent rock, such as igneous rock or recrystallized breccias with crack porosity of not more than about 0.5 % are required to satisfy velocity profiles in the depth range 1-30 km. Velocity profiles in the upper 1 km are best satisfied by comminuted material to highly fractured lithic units. These estimates constrain those thermal and shock histories which are compatible with lunar seismic results. After crystallization, or recrystallization, rock below 1 km cannot have been exposed to more than moderate shock levels. In the uppermost 1 km, an unannealed and broken rock layer would imply low thermal conductivity resulting in possible temperatures at 1 km depth of several hundred kelvins.

Implantation of ions escaping the atmosphere of Mars within the regolith of Phobos, and Phobos’ surface ion weathering

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin Nénon ◽  
Andrew R Poppe ◽  
Ali Rahmati ◽  
James P McFadden
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Ion Composition ◽  
Atmospheric Escape ◽  
The Past ◽  
Lunar Samples ◽  
Singly Charged

<p>Mars has lost and is losing its atmosphere into space. Strong evidences of this come from the observation of planetary singly charged heavy ions (atomic oxygen, molecular oxygen, carbon dioxide ions) by Mars Express and MAVEN. Phobos, the closest moon of Mars, orbits only 6,000 kilometers above the red planet’s surface and is therefore a unique vantage point of the planetary atmospheric escape, with the escaping ions being implanted within the regolith of Phobos and altering the properties of the moon’s surface.</p> <p>In this presentation, we aggregate all ion observations gathered in-situ close to the orbit of Phobos by three ion instruments onboard MAVEN, from 2015 to 2019, to constrain the long-term averaged ion environment seen by the Martian moon at all longitudes along its orbit. In particular, the SupraThermal and Thermal Ion Composition (STATIC) instrument onboard MAVEN distinguishes between solar wind and planetary ions. The newly constrained long-term ion environment seen by Phobos is combined with numerical simulations of ion transport and effects in matter.</p> <p>This way, we find that planetary ions are implanted on the near side of Phobos (pointing towards Mars) inside the uppermost tens of nanometers of regolith grains. The composition of near-side grains that may be sampled by future Phobos sample return missions is therefore not only contaminated by planetary ions, as seen in lunar samples with the terrestrial atmosphere, but may show a unique record of the past atmosphere of Mars.</p> <p>The long-term fluxes of planetary ions precipitating onto Phobos are so intense that these ions weather the moon’s surface as much as or more than solar wind ions. In particular, Martian ions accelerate the long-term sputtering and amorphization of the near side regolith by a factor of 2. Another implication is that ion weathering is highly asymmetric between the near side and far side of Phobos.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document