Research on the inversion of elemental abundances from Chang’E-2 X-ray spectrometry data

Abstract

The elemental abundances of lunar surface are the important clues to study the formation and evolution history of the Moon. In 2010, China’s Chang’E-2 (CE-2) lunar orbiter carried a set of X-ray spectrometer (XRS) to investigate the elemental abundances of the lunar surface. During CE-2’s life span around the Moon, the XRS experienced several events of solar flare. The X-ray solar monitor onboard recorded the spectra of solar X-rays at the same time. In this paper, we introduced the XRS instrument and data product. We analyzed the characteristics of the XRS data. Using the data obtained during an M solar flare event which had occurred on Feb. 16, 2011, we derived the elemental abundances of Mg, Al, Si, Ca and Fe of the lunar surface in the Oceanus Procellarum. Finally, we discussed the factors that influence the accuracy of the inversion.