Determination of surface composition of the moon from a lunar satellite
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Abstract
The long·range scientific merits of determining the variations in chemical composition over the surface of the Moon are discussed. Possible methods are reviewed for obtaining continuous measurements of atomic concentrations in the lunar surface from a satellite in orbit around the Moon. It is concluded that the characteristic X.radiation of the lunar surface, excited by corpuscular radiation from the Sun during active periods, offers the most promising source of information on variation in concentration or the major elements. ince it is expected that at least one of the lunar probes will cnrry an a gamma-ray spectrograph, examination or x.radiation from the Moon's surface will make further use or equipment already exjsting in the satellite.
Thick target yields or X-radiation are computed for the range or elements concerned and at diflerent proton fluxes. The counting rate and spatial resolution obtainable from instrumentation in orbit at different altitudes are investigated in terms of relative standard error. Making a conservative calculation but neglecting back·ground, a resolution of 95 Km (diameter of Copernicus' Crater) is estimated at an altitude of 400 Km with 90 per cent confidence of the counting statistics at a flux or 104 protons/ sec. At lower altitudes or higher proton flux, the resolution will be considerably improved.
The critical importance of background problems is indicated and possible approaches to solution outlined.
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