Abstract
An interpretation of previously reported measurements of the Apollo 15/16 alpha-particle spectrometer on the distribution of 222Rn and 210Po across the lunar surface suggests that continuation of these measurements is a method of monitoring current activity on the moon. Since the two isotopes are relatively short-lived with effective half-lives of 3 days and 21 years, respectively, the activity detected has had to have been released during this current epoch. Changes in the rate of lunar emanation can be measured on three different time scales: (1) of a few days or less by detecting 222Rn at discrete sites such as the crater Aristarchus; (2) of a month by measuring 222Rn activity at the sunrise terminator; (3) of a few years by measuring 210Po activity at various locations. These observations could be carried out very effectively from a lunar polar orbiting satellite.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call