Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps

Gerald · 09-11-11, 06:48 AM

The Grail twins will make their measurements by executing a carefully calibrated pursuit in orbit.

The latest spacecraft to go to the Moon have launched from Florida.

Nasa is sending twin probes called Grail to map tiny variations in the pull of gravity around the lunar body.

The information should give scientists fresh insight into the internal structure of Earth's satellite.

This will help explain many mysteries, such as why the farside of the Moon looks so different from that of the nearside with its great swathe of dark volcanic plains, or maria.

The data also will be an invaluable navigation tool for future exploration, enabling other spacecraft to make more precise landings.

A Delta rocket sent the Grail twins on their way. Its launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station occurred at 09:08 EDT (13:08 GMT; 14:08 BST).

The journey to the Moon is a slow cruise, however. The duo is not expected to enter into orbit until the turn of the year.

'Super-lens' on gravity

Scientists already have some lunar gravity maps. Much of this information was built up by tracking small perturbations in the orbits of previous spacecraft as they circled the Moon. But the maps are very coarse, especially for the farside.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14825641

Note: 10 September 2011 Last updated at 13:09 GMT

09-11-11, 06:48 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps The Grail twins will make their measurements by executing a carefully calibrated pursuit in orbit. The latest spacecraft to go to the Moon have launched from Florida. Nasa is sending twin probes called Grail to map tiny variations in the pull of gravity around the lunar body. The information should give scientists fresh insight into the internal structure of Earth's satellite. This will help explain many mysteries, such as why the farside of the Moon looks so different from that of the nearside with its great swathe of dark volcanic plains, or maria. The data also will be an invaluable navigation tool for future exploration, enabling other spacecraft to make more precise landings. A Delta rocket sent the Grail twins on their way. Its launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station occurred at 09:08 EDT (13:08 GMT; 14:08 BST). The journey to the Moon is a slow cruise, however. The duo is not expected to enter into orbit until the turn of the year. 'Super-lens' on gravity Scientists already have some lunar gravity maps. Much of this information was built up by tracking small perturbations in the orbits of previous spacecraft as they circled the Moon. But the maps are very coarse, especially for the farside. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14825641 Note: 10 September 2011 Last updated at 13:09 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie