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DOPPLER GRAVITY EXPERIMENT

The gravity measurements are made by analyzing variations in the orbit of the Lunar Prospector, as measured by Doppler shifts in its radio signal (the Doppler Gravity Experiment, or DGE). These measurements enable the mapping of localized mass concentrations (or "mascons"). Areas of low mass are shown in blue, while areas of high mass are shown in red.

Detailed gravity maps of the moon help scientists build better models of the role of impacts on the history and evolution of the Moon, and also help in estimating lunar core size and iron content. In addition, it will aid future mission planners in devising fuel-efficient orbits. The gravity map obtained from the DGE is currently being used for designing strategies in maintaining the Prospector's extremely low orbit during its upcoming extended mission phase.

The latest gravity maps have revealed three new mascons on the near side coincident with the large impact basins Mare Humboltianum, Mendel-Ryber, and Schiller-Zucchius. The data also indicate four additional mascons in the large far side basins of Hertzsprung, Coulomb-Sarton, Freundlich-Sharonov, and Mare Moscoviense, and clearly show a central area of increased gravity in these basin centers. The new data also indicate the probable existence of a lunar iron core with a radius of more than 300 km (186 miles).

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