High-resolution UV-visible spectroscopy of lunar red spotsA spectral reflectance study of selected lunar 'red spots', highland areas characterized by an absorption in the ultraviolet relative to the visible was conducted. Some red spots were suggested to be the sites of ancient highland volcanism. High-resolution spectral data of eight red spots on the western portion of the moon over the wavelength region 0.39-0.82 micron were obtained. Much spectral variation among these red spots in the magnitude as well as the wavelength position of the ultraviolet absorption were found. Spectral structure at visible and near-infrared wavelength were also identified. These spectral differences indicate that red spots do not have a single mineralogical composition, which in turn suggests that red spots may have multiple origins. Additional imaging spectroscopic observations were taken of the Herigonius red spot, a morphologically complex region northeast of Mare Humorum. These data reveal significant spectral differences among the various morphological units within the Herigonius red spot. Although some of these are likely due to the effects of the maturation process, others appear to reflect differences in mineral abundances and composition.
Document ID
19910057736
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bruno, B. C. (Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Lucey, P. G. (Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Hawke, B. R. (Hawaii, University Honolulu, United States)