GRAIL data reveal battered Moon
Posted: Fri, Dec 7, 2012, 7:23 AM ET (1223 GMT)
NASA released this week the most accurate gravity field map of the Moon compiled to date, created from data provided by a pair of spacecraft nearing the end of their mission. Scientists used data from the twin Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft, which have been orbiting the Moon since the beginning of the year, to create the best map of the Moon's gravity field yet developed. Scientists said this gravity field is closely linked to surface topography, such as craters and mountains, more so than any other terrestrial world in the solar system. Scientists also said the gravity data show that the Moon's crust is "incredibly" fractured, more so than previously thought. GRAIL's extended mission is scheduled to end on December 17, and the two spacecraft will crash into the lunar surface shortly thereafter.
NASA released this week the most accurate gravity field map of the Moon compiled to date, created from data provided by a pair of spacecraft nearing the end of their mission. Scientists used data from the twin Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft, which have been orbiting the Moon since the beginning of the year, to create the best map of the Moon's gravity field yet developed. Scientists said this gravity field is closely linked to surface topography, such as craters and mountains, more so than any other terrestrial world in the solar system. Scientists also said the gravity data show that the Moon's crust is "incredibly" fractured, more so than previously thought. GRAIL's extended mission is scheduled to end on December 17, and the two spacecraft will crash into the lunar surface shortly thereafter.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, August 18
U.S. Navy military sealift command awards Inmarsat Government 10-year, $578 million next generation wideband follow-on contract
Inmarsat — 6:18 am ET (1018 GMT) Britain’s biggest satellite company wins $500m US Navy contract
The Daily Telegraph — 6:17 am ET (1017 GMT) The US needs a plan for space operations and national security
The Hill — 6:17 am ET (1017 GMT) A private company wants to look for life just above Venus
Popular Science — 6:15 am ET (1015 GMT) Rocket Lab reveals more about mission to Venus, cops upgrade and downgrade
New Zealand Herald — 6:14 am ET (1014 GMT) |
