AN ANALYSIS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE MAJOR SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS AND THE THERMAL ANOMALIES OBSERVED ON THE ECLIPSED MOON.
Abstract
A spherical harmonic method for trend-surface analysis of data distributed on a hemispherical surface is presented. The technique is applied in a study of lunar surficial variability in order to isolate regional from local variations in lunar surface phenomena, obtain a mathematical expression for interpretation of map variables between control points, quantitatively correlate similarities in configuration between maps of different variables, and quantitatively compare regional variability of the same parameter in widely separated regions. Correspondence between the distribution of lunar thermal anomalies and the (1) lunar albedo, (2) lunar figure, (3) distribution of average crater class, and (4) crater density is established. Contour maps and power spectra of these parameters are presented. A working hypothesis consistent with the observed relationship is introduced. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0694266
Entities
People
- Richard R. Green
Organizations
- Boeing