Diviner lunar radiometer observations of cold traps in the moon's south polar region

Science
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Abstract

Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment surface-temperature maps reveal the existence of widespread surface and near-surface cryogenic regions that extend beyond the boundaries of persistent shadow. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) struck one of the coldest of these regions, where subsurface temperatures are estimated to be 38 kelvin. Large areas of the lunar polar regions are currently cold enough to cold-trap water ice as well as a range of both more volatile and less volatile species. The diverse mixture of water and high-volatility compounds detected in the LCROSS ejecta plume is strong evidence for the impact delivery and cold-trapping of volatiles derived from primitive outer solar system bodies.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Diviner lunar radiometer observations of cold traps in the moon's south polar region
Series title Science
DOI 10.1126/science.1187726
Volume 330
Issue 6003
Year Published 2010
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Science
First page 479
Last page 482
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