Mascon Basins

Abstract

Large basins across the lunar surface have observable positive gravity anomalies within the interiors, referred to as mass concentrations, or “mascons.” Some near-side mascons can be explained by flexural support of the mare basalts within the basins, like Orientale, that have excessive mascons. There are also some basins that exhibit masons but lack mare basalts. Lunar gravity and topography data are most often used to determine the morphology and gravity anomalies of the mascons.