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[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

SMART-1 detects calcium on the Moon

Thanks to measurements by the D-CIXS X-ray spectrometer, ESA's SMART-1 spacecraft has made the first ever unambiguous remote-sensing detection of calcium on the Moon.

SMART-1 is currently performing the verification and calibration of its instruments, while it runs along its science orbit, reaching 450 kilometres from the Moon at its closest distance. During this calibration phase, which precedes the actual science observations phase, the SMART-1 scientists are getting acquainted with the delicate operations and the performance of their instruments in the warm environment of the lunar orbit.

Although it is still preparing for full lunar operations, D-CIXS has started already sending back high-quality data. D-CIXS is designed to measure the global composition of the Moon by observing how it glows in X-rays when the Sun shines on it. In fact, different chemical elements provide their "fingerprinting", each glowing in a unique way.

More here: www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=17063

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Just take a daily handful of Moon dirt for healthy bones and teeth!... ;D

When this probe is all calibrated, what's the excuse then in avoiding the Apollo sites? It's already spotting new things and elements.

We shall see...

[Maddad]

It kinda makes sense that they would find calcium. They also found aluminium, silicon, and iron. All four of these elements are found in basalt, the most common rock on Earth and the rock that forms the lunar crust. On Earth these elements weather out of the rock, but on the Moon there isn't anywhere for it to go, so if it was there 4,500 million years ago, it's gonna be there today.