Lunar swirls: Examining crustal magnetic anomalies and space weathering trends

摘要: [1] We have used multispectral images from Clementine and data Lunar Prospector's magnetometer to conduct a survey of lunar crustal magnetic anomalies, prominent swirls, lesser known swirl markings provide new information on the nature swirls their association with anomalies. We find that all swirl-like albedo patterns are associated areas magnetized crust, but not crust colocated All observed exhibit spectral characteristics similar immature material generally slightly lower FeO values compared surroundings as determined iron-mapping method. discuss these results in relation various hypotheses for formation. The comet impact hypothesis would predict difference spectrally content between nearby ordinary surfaces. compositional could be explained consequence (1) shielding surface solar wind, which produce anomalous space weathering (little darkening limited reddening) potentially alter predictions algorithm while contrast enhanced by delivery lower-FeO ejecta outside swirl; (2) accumulation fine plagioclase-rich dust moving under influence electric fields induced wind interactions anomaly. Therefore, we cannot at present clearly distinguish electrostatic models describe future measurements contribute solution puzzle origin.