Improved Understanding of Lunar Surface Hydration Signatures through Comparison of Thermally Corrected Spectra from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M 3 )
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: An accurate thermal correction applied to Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M 3 ) visible/near-infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy data is necessary for proper interpretation of lunar surface hydration (i.e., OH − /H 2 O) signatures. We compare thermal correction techniques applied to both global and targeted M 3 image data cubes to assess correction effects on M 3 3 μ m region observations, with implications for interpreting the presence of hydrated materials on the lunar surface. We present M 3 VNIR spectra collected at five different lunar highlands study sites, acquired from separately prepared images with different thermal corrections applied. The recently applied thermal correction by K. Wohlfarth et al. reveals VNIR spectral signatures consistent with the presence of hydration at all study region sites. The observed hydration signatures are different and generally weaker or absent in M 3 Level 2 global and targeted reflectance data currently available on the Planetary Data System.
Source: The Planetary Science Journal
DOI: 10.3847/psj/ae953c
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,800
OpenAlex ID: W7220404693