A New Large‐Scale Map of the Lunar Crustal Magnetic Field and Its Interpretation

A new large-scale map of the lunar crustal magnetic field at 30 km altitude covering latitudes from 65°S to 65°N has been produced using high-quality vector magnetometer data two complementary polar orbital missions, Lunar Prospector and SELENE (Kaguya). The characteristics similar those previous maps but better resolves shapes distribution weaker anomalies. strongest group anomalies is located on northwest side South Pole-Aitken basin approximately antipodal Imbrium basin. On near side, both strong isolated elongated tend lie along lines oriented radial Imbrium. These include named such as Reiner Gamma, Hartwig, Descartes, Abel, Airy. statistical significance this tendency for verified by Monte Carlo simulations. Great circle paths determined end points anomaly groups locations five individual converge within inner rim intersect antipode zone. Statistically significant evidence alignments Orientale also found. observed location are consistent with hypothesis that iron impactor was mixed into ejecta inhomogeneously deposited downrange in aligned concentrated