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Initial observations from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA)
Author(s) -
Smith David E.,
Zuber Maria T.,
Neumann Gregory A.,
Lemoine Frank G.,
Mazarico Erwan,
Torrence Mark H.,
McGarry Jan F.,
Rowlands David D.,
Head James W.,
Duxbury Thomas H.,
Aharonson Oded,
Lucey Paul G.,
Robinson Mark S.,
Barnouin Olivier S.,
Cavanaugh John F.,
Sun Xiaoli,
Liiva Peter,
Mao Dandan,
Smith James C.,
Bartels Arlin E.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2010gl043751
Subject(s) - orbiter , altimeter , geology , astrobiology , geodesy , lunar orbit , remote sensing , astronomy , physics , spacecraft
As of June 19, 2010, the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter, an instrument on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, has collected over 2.0 × 10 9 measurements of elevation that collectively represent the highest resolution global model of lunar topography yet produced. These altimetric observations have been used to improve the lunar geodetic grid to ∼10 m radial and ∼100 m spatial accuracy with respect to the Moon's center of mass. LOLA has also provided the highest resolution global maps yet produced of slopes, roughness and the 1064‐nm reflectance of the lunar surface. Regional topography of the lunar polar regions allows precise characterization of present and past illumination conditions. LOLA's initial global data sets as well as the first high‐resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) of polar topography are described herein.