Lunar Prospector: Overview
Alan B. Binder
Lunar Prospector is providing a global map of the composition of
the moon and analyzing the moon's gravity and magnetic fields. It has
been in a polar orbit around the moon since 16 January 1998. Neutron
flux data show that there is abundant H, and hence probably abundant
water ice, in the lunar polar regions. Gamma-ray and neutron data
reveal the distribution of Fe, Ti, and other major and trace elements
on the moon. The data delineate the global distributions of a key trace
element-rich component of lunar materials called KREEP and of the
major rock types. Magnetic mapping shows that the lunar magnetic fields
are strong antipodal to Mare Imbrium and Mare Serenitatis and has
discovered the smallest known magnetosphere, magnetosheath, and bow
shock complex in the solar system. Gravity mapping has delineated seven
new gravity anomalies and shown that the moon has a small Fe-rich core
of about 300 km radius.
Lunar Research Institute, 1180 Sunrise Drive, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA. E-mail: abinder{at}mail.arc.nasa.gov
