Lunar powder simulator under lunarlike conditions - Dielectric properties

A powered basalt simulating lunar regolith material was subjected to temperature variations similar to those found in the lunar surface during a lunation. To obtain the dielectric response under simulated lunar conditions, all measurements were made in appropriate vacuums which, in addition, allowed for an evaluation of moisture effects in the powdered sample. It is found that during approximately seven tenths of a lunation the dielectric response of a 5- to 10-cm surface layer should be fairly constant. During the remaining three tenths, it should undergo rapid changes. Changes in the dielectric properties of the surface layer should be controlled by temperature. In the subjacent layers such changes are thought to be controlled by the increasing density of the regolith.