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SMART-1 detects calcium on the Moon

8 June 2005

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D-CIXS, the X-ray camera on board SMART-1, has detected calcium, iron and other elements on the Moon, in Mare Crisium and further north. The lunar region shown in the image runs from 15 to 45 degrees North, at 60 degrees East longitude. Hours in the image are indicated in Universal Time (UT).

Credits: ESA/D-CIXS. Full moon image: Courtesy of Hidden Loft Observatory.

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A solar flare, lasting from 07:00 to 09:00 (Central European Time, corresponding to 06:00 – 08:00 Universal Time) occurred while the D-CIXS on board SMART-1 was looking down to the Moon surface on 15 January 2005, making the Moon glow in X-rays.

Credits: ESA/D-CIXS. Solar flux graph: Courtesy of NOAA

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