2023/05/31 by Jacob N. Gamsky, Philip T. Metzger, Gamsky, Jacob N. +1
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Physics and Astronomy · #Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP) #FOS: Physical sciences #Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects #Marine and environmental studies #Planetary Science and Exploration #Soft Condensed Matter (cond-mat.soft)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2305.20007
openalex publication_date 2023/05/31 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
The physical state of the lunar soil in the permanently shadowed craters of the moon is inferred from experimental investigation. The permanently shadowed craters do not undergo the same thermal cycling experienced by other parts of the moon and therefore could be slightly less compacted. This study is significant because excavating, roving, and landing interactions, along with the energy budgets and deployment schedules for associated technology, need to be scaled and designed properly. Results indicate that the degree of compaction due to thermal cycling is a function of the depth in the soil column.