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Space Weathering of Apollo 16 Sample 62255: Lunar Rocks as Witness Plates for Deciphering Regolith Formation ProcessesSpace weathering, or alteration that occurs at the surfaces of materials exposed directly to space, has been one of the primary areas of focus of lunar studies for the past several years. It is caused by processes such as micrometeorite impacts and solar wind bombardment, and effects can include microcraters, spall zones, and vapor deposits. Much of the recent work on space weathering has been concentrated on nanoscale features, especially the amorphous rims commonly found on individual lunar soil grains. The rims typically contain nanophase Fe metal globules, which, along with Fe metal globules in agglutinates, have a profound effect on optical properties of lunar soils. The nanophase metallic iron globules cause the characteristic optical changes (reddening and darkening) found in mature lunar soils.
Document ID
20040066011
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wentworth, S. J.
(Lockheed Martin Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
McKay, D. S.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Keller, L. P.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Moon and Mercury
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-8384
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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