Elemental Composition of the Lunar Surface Observed by Kaguya Gamma-Ray Spectrometer

Abstract

The lunar explorer "Kaguay" (SELENE) observed the Moon for 1.5 years and completed its mission. Kaguya Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (KGRS) is an instrument to mearusre the global distribution of elements on the lunar surface by obsering gamma rays emitted from the Moon. Nuclear spectroscopy obtains the element and its concentration related the energy and intensity of gamma ray from the lunar surface. Therefore, a germanium detector with a high energy resolution is adopted as KGRS for the first time in lunar missions. KGRS provides accurate global abundance of the elements on the lunar surface. In this presentation, newly scientific results from KGRS as well as the fundamental principle of gamma ray spectroscopy, observation events of KGRS, and analytical method of KGRS data are reported.