Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jan 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002mbns.conf...54s&link_type=abstract
The Moon Beyond 2002: Next Steps in Lunar Science and Exploration, p. 54
Mathematics
Logic
Sampling, Lunar Rocks, Lunar Surface, Lunar Geology, Planetary Evolution, Planetary Surfaces, Time Measurement, Chemical Analysis
Scientific paper
The next sampling missions to the Moon will result in the return of sample mass (100g to 1 kg) substantially smaller than those returned by the Apollo missions (380 kg). Lunar samples to be returned by these missions are vital for: (1) calibrating the late impact history of the inner solar system that can then be extended to other planetary surfaces; (2) deciphering the effects of catastrophic impacts on a planetary body (i.e. Aitken crater); (3) understanding the very late-stage thermal and magmatic evolution of a cooling planet; (4) exploring the interior of a planet; and (5) examining volatile reservoirs and transport on an airless planetary body. Can small lunar samples be used to answer these and other pressing questions concerning important solar system processes? Two potential problems with small, robotically collected samples are placing them in a geologic context and extracting robust planetary information. Although geologic context will always be a potential problem with any planetary sample, new lunar samples can be placed within the context of the important Apollo - Luna collections and the burgeoning planet-scale data sets for the lunar surface and interior. Here we illustrate the usefulness of applying both new or refined analytical approaches in deciphering information locked in small lunar samples.
Borg Lars
Shearer Charles K.
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