2025/02/04 by D. A. Kring, Danielle P. Kallenborn, G. S. Collins · 1 voice · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Planetary Science and Exploration #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41467-024-55675-z
openalex publication_date 2025/02/04 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
High energy streams of rock ejected from the Schrödinger impact basin carved two canyons in the lunar crust that are comparable in size to the Grand Canyon of North America. Here we use photogeologic mapping of those canyons and related impact ejecta deposits to show the trajectory of the impacting asteroid or comet, which produced an asymmetrical pattern of crater excavation and transport of ejected debris. The flow directions of that ejected debris and the speed of its subsequent impact with the lunar surface are calculated, as is the energy that carved the canyons in less than ten minutes. The study implies that most of the excavated debris was ejected away from the lunar south pole, minimizing the amount of debris that covers the > 4 billion year old units that will be explored by Artemis astronauts. The Schrödinger impact event carved two canyons on the moon comparable in size to the Grand Canyon of North America. The directions of those canyons imply little debris covers the > 4-billion-year-old units that will be explored by Artemis astronauts.