In situ Lunar Orientation Measurement (ILOM): Simulation of observation

The measurement of the rotation of the Moon is one of the key techniques to get the information of the internal structure. For this purpose, we proposed a small telescope experiment on the surface of the Moon in which motion of stars are utilized for the estimation of the rotation parameter. This paper describes results of simulation of observation, in which star trajectories observed are decomposed to librations, polar motion, and the precession and the amplitude and phase of each component are estimated. The standard deviation of the parameter estimation becomes nearly 1 ms of arc, which will be better than the Lunar Laser Ranging observation. From the viewpoints of accuracy of observation, thermal condition, and electric power generation, the instrument should be placed where the much sunshine is achieved on the lunar polar region.     

用于未来月球探测的ILOM 技术现状

使用面包板模型和仿真方法,在实验室内研究月球指向就位测量望远镜(ILOM)的基本特征,如望远镜星像中心点位置精度、温度效应、倾斜以及地面震动的影响。使用这个技术预期在月球表面观测月球自转时可以达到1ms的精度。将在地面上开展测试验证观测以全面评价达到优于0.1″观测精度目标所需条件和特征。     

Free librations of the two-layer Moon and the possibilities of their detection

Based on the forthcoming second stage of the Japanese Lunar mission ILOM (2013), when an optical telescope will be set on the surface near one of the Lunar poles, the possibility to detect free Lunar modes (Chandler-like wobble and free-core nutation) is considered. The difference between the Lunar Eulerian and Chandler-like wobble is explained. The terms “arbitrary libration” and “free libration” are discussed. The geometrical and physical interpretations of the free polar motion over the Lunar surface are considered from the viewpoints of Lunar surface-based observations and the Lunar Navigation Almanac. The dependencies of the free libration period on the core’s radius, density, and ellipticity are modelled and discussed.