NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2007B-0510
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2007B-0510 |
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PI: Arlin P. Crotts, Columbia University, arlin@astro.columbia.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, 550 West 120th Street, MC 5246, New York, NY 10027, USA
CoI: Cameron B. Hummels, Columbia University
Title: Solving the Mystery of Lunar Outgassing and Transient Phenomena
Abstract: We intend to collect spectral data which will aid in solving a fundamental mystery about the Moon-one resisting conventional attacks for hundreds of years. Despite the numerous observations from the ground and spacecraft demonstrating the existence of transient lunar phenomena (TLPs), their elusive scientific explanation awaits capture by an investigation like ours. In a recent study, Crotts (2007) demonstrates a strong correlation in the distribution of TLP sites and lunar outgassing events. The goal of this proposed lunar study is to search for indications of recently overturned regolith in the form of the Fe^2+ transition at (lambda)=.9 (micron) and the blue degradation near (lambda)=.4 (mu)m. Given the recently discovered correlation, we expect to see signs of fresh regolith near established sites of TLPs, although a wide distribution of sites will be sampled. This proposal is an integral part of our research study to monitor, detect, and analyze TLPs and their spectral and temporal properties.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2007B-0510 |
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