A compositional study of the Aristarchus Region of the Moon using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Newly obtained near‐infrared reflectance spectra for features on or near the Aristarchus Plateau demonstrate the diversity of compositions in the region. Highland units are of three probable compositions: a feldspar and clinopyroxene assemblage; a probable clinopyroxene, olivine, and possibly feldspar assemblage; and an assemblage composed of olivine or olivine and feldspar. The feldspar‐clinopyroxene assemblage is tentatively correlated with the major Th anomaly centered on Aristarchus crater. The regional pyroclastic deposits on the plateau are composed of greater than 90% Fe2+‐bearing glass. The Aristarchus cratering event fully penetrated any mare or pyroclastics in the target. Evidence for mare‐related material is found in the ejecta on the mare side of the mare‐plateau contact.