Observations of silicate reststrahlen bands in lunar infrared spectraThermal emission spectra of three lunar sites (Apollo 11, Descartes Formation, and Tycho central peak) are measured in the 8-14 micron spectral range. Transmission and instrument effects are accounted for by forming ratios of the Descartes and Tycho spectra to the Apollo 11 spectrum. The ratio spectra are compared with ratios of published laboratory spectra of returned lunar samples and also with ratio spectra calculated using the Aronson-Emslie (1975) model. The comparisons show pyroxene bands in the Descartes ratio spectrum and plagioclase bands in the Tycho ratio spectrum. The Tycho spectrum is found to be consistent with the existence of fine plagioclase dust (approximately 1 micron) at the rock surface and a higher-than-usual sodium content of the plagioclase.
Document ID
19820048185
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Potter, A. E., Jr. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Morgan, T. H. (Houston Baptist University Houston, TX, United States)