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Infrared reflectance spectra (4–12 µm) of typical lunar samples
Author(s) -
Nash Douglas B.
Publication year - 1991
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 - 10.1029/91gl02623
Subject(s) - infrared , silicate , geology , lunar soil , infrared spectroscopy , spectrometer , remote sensing , reflectivity , mineralogy , chemical composition , plagioclase , materials science , astrobiology , optics , chemistry , astronomy , physics , quartz , paleontology , organic chemistry
A laboratory study of the mid‐infrared spectral reflectance properties of typical Apollo lunar rock and soil samples was conducted using a modern interferometric spectrometer. The results show that characteristic spectral features exist in the 4–12 micrometer range that are diagnostic of rock composition and mineralogy, especially for the plagioclase‐rich rocks and soils. This is the first phase of a comprehensive infrared reflectance study underway to better understand the use of infrared emission spectroscopy for mapping the surface composition of the Moon and other silicate bodies.