The Physical Surface of the Moon: A Digital Model Based on Satellite Altimetry

Abstract

Abstract—: Investigations of the Solar System with space missions yielded a significant volume of data on geophysical and morphological properties of planets. On this basis, a new research area, comparative planetology, was developed. It is focused on the description of natural phenomena occurring on celestial bodies rather than only the formulation of evolutionary and cosmogonic concepts. The purpose of the present study is to analyze a digital model of the physical surface of the Moon, which is based on the measurements carried out in the course of the Kaguya space mission. To construct and analyze this model, we use a multiparameter harmonic analysis of the optical and altimetry data obtained during spaceborne observations near the Moon. We develop an approach that includes the construction of regressive harmonic models in terms of the altimetry data expansion and the analysis of their fractal dimensions. For the considered system, a spectrum of fractal estimates has been obtained for both different local zones and an entire model of the lunar sphere.