MOON BOMBING ON OCTOBER 9 2009 with UPDATE 30 SEPT.
UPDATE 30 SEPT. = "MOON EXPLORATION: The LCROSS Team Changes The Target CRATER From CABEUS A to CABEUS For The Planned Huge IMPACT on Friday, October 9, 2009!
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LCR...
http://www.universetoday.com/2009/09/...
BASED ON NEW analysis of the latest lunar data, the science team for NASA's
Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite mission (LCROSS) decided to
change the target crater for impact from CABEUS A to CABEUS (proper). The
decision was based on a consensus that Cabeus shows, with the greatest level
of certainty, the highest hydrogen concentrations at the south pole. The most
current terrain models provided by JAXA's Kaguya spacecraft and the LRO Lunar
Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) was important in the decision process, as the
latest models show a small valley in an otherwise tall Cabeus perimeter ridge,
which will allow for sunlight to illuminate the ejecta cloud, making it easier
to see from Earth.
The DECISION WAS BASED on continued evaluation of all available data and
consultation/input from members of the LCROSS Science Team and the scientific
community, including impact experts, ground and space based observers, and
observations from (LRO), Lunar Prospector (LP), Chandrayaan-1 and JAXA's Kaguya
spacecraft. This decision was prompted by the current best understanding of
hydrogen concentrations in the Cabeus region, including cross-correlation
between the latest LRO results and LP data sets. The LCROSS team concluded
that Cabeus provided the best chance for meeting its mission goals. The team
critically assessed and successfully advocated for the change with the Lunar
Precursor Robotic Program (LPRP) office. -- Written by Nancy Atkinson /
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