Estimating the age and origin of the lunar crustal magnetic anomalies

Nicola Richmond

Magnetic anomaly clusters have been mapped on the Moon in regions antipodal to four similarly-aged impact basins. In addition, several isolated anomalies have been found, primarily on the near side. The age and origin of the crustal magnetization is the subject of debate. The anomalies may be: 1) old, forming in association with the Imbrian-aged basins, or 2) relatively young, resulting from the impact of a cometary coma. Using the low altitude Lunar Prospector magnetometer data, I will present results discussing possible source materials and an apparent association between crustal magnetization and surface albedo. The results will be used to estimate the age and origin of the magnetization.

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