Lunar Surface Composition Constraints from Maturity-corrected Far-ultraviolet Reflectance Maps

Abstract

Far-ultraviolet (FUV) observations by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) have shown that the lunar surface reflectance in the ultraviolet is sensitive to changes in both composition and maturity at wavelengths >170 nm. This can lead to uncertainties in the interpretation of features that appear in maps created using LAMP data from this wavelength range. Here we utilize a correction based on the optical maturity parameter to remove large-scale immaturity features from LAMP spectral slope and band ratio maps. After performing the correction, the LAMP maps more accurately represent the FUV lunar surface in the context of composition. Corrected LAMP maps show good correlation with lunar FeO, plagioclase, and bulk silicate abundance maps for moderate- to high-iron regions, indicating a sensitivity in the LAMP data to differences in mineral composition in those regions. These maps represent a unique view into a relatively unexplored region of the spectrum and showcase the ability to perform compositional mapping and mineral identification using FUV remote-sensing measurements.