Lunar spectral units - A northern hemispheric mosaic

Abstract

The distribution of lunar spectral units has been studied with the aid of multispectral imaging using silicon vidicons. The employed method has been developed over the last few years. The lunar observations used in the study had been made on May 7, 1974 (UT) at the Table Mountain Observatory. Four narrow bandpass interference filters centered at 0.38, 0.56, 0.85, and 1.05 micrometers were used. In the data displays presented the large differences (as in visual albedo) between the mare and the uplands have been deliberately minimized to allow small variations between these two major regions to be studied. Most of the spectral units are quite distinct, with relatively sharp boundaries. Attention is given to the general characteristics of spectral units, the distribution of mare basalt types, and the distribution of orange glass and dark mantling material.