International Lunar Science Mission to the Descartes Formation

Abstract 4063, Joint Annual Meeting of LEAG-ICEUM-SRR (2008)

Raupe & Scott

"We would test one possible cause for the apparent longevity of low OMAT (Optical Maturity) regolith under LMAs with improved understanding of electrostatic dust charging and ballistics.

Positive electrostatic charging and levitation of microscopic dust, away from the Descartes Swirl, may continually expose the less optically mature, brighter regolith below. Upon subsequent negative charging, dust might be repelled from re-entering the area under the Descartes LMA (the polarization of which remains unchanged)."

Read the Abstract HERE.