Gravitational investigations on the SELENE mission (Japan) and the existence of a lunar core

Author: Gusev A.   Kawano N.   Petrova N.  

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

ISSN: 1055-6796

Source: Astronomical and Astrophysical Transactions, Vol.22, Iss.4-5, 2003-01, pp. : 579-584

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Abstract

The existence of a lunar core is still an open question. If a core existence is verified by future direct measurements, this core would impose constraints on the model of origin of the Moon. Significant prospects in the decision of this problem are opened up by the Japanese SELENE project. A short review of results concerning the facts about the core existence is given in the article. Most advances in this study were obtained as results of the investigation of lunar gravity and physical libration. The scientific objectives and perspectives of the SELENE project are described.

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