Concept of the High Precision in-situ Measurements of the Four Magnetic Characteristics of the Lunar Near-Surface Without Touching the Regolith
Abstract
Moon's regolith needs
1. Measurement of magnetic susceptibility over a 1 m radius without the need to touch the regolith or take samples. Such ability allows measuring the concentration of iron.
2. Measurement of magnetic remanence that relates to the geological formation history of the Moon. Moon is entirely covered with magnetic anomalies which signify changing magnetic environment that remanent measurements can reveal without handling the samples.
3. Estimate of paleofield that once magnetized the rocks on the Moon's surface.
4. Measurement of near surface magnetic field. Such measurement allows finding magnetic shields that would serve as potential human presence on the Moon. Paleointensity estimates from measurements over different volcanic rocks at 5 distances between
0.5mm and 5mm (Gabbro and Dolerite) gave estimates between 25 uT, and 20 uT, the correct order of magnitude for terrestrial field. While the Lunar rocks may be much less intense, this test indicated that the paleomagnetic intensity measurement is possible for planetary rocks containing remanent magnetization.