Guest: Dr. Joshua Bandfield; Topics: Water distribution on the lunar surface per his paper, "Widespread distribution of OH/H2) on the lunar surface inferred from spectral data," plus related material. Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm.
We welcomed Dr. Joshua Bandfield to the program to discuss his current paper "Widespread distribution of OH/H2) on the lunar surface inferred from spectral data" which you can download from our blog. During our one segment 75 minute discussion, Dr. Bandfield introduced us to the subject and the work based largely on the Moon Mineralogy Mapper spectrometer onboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft. Dr. Bandfield not only explained the mission and why it was important, but he talked about the spectral range limitation of 3 microns, differences with hydroxyl (OH) and H2), plus other technical aspects of his work including correcting for an important error based on temperature. He fully explained the correct method used in his research. As our guest was talking about the lunar surface properties, including the insulating characteristics of the regolith, Dr. Doug called wanting to know if there was anything in Dr. Bandfield's paper and work that countered the idea that there was plenty of water ice at the poles. Dr. Bandfield and Doug had quite the discussion leading up to Dr. Bandfield finally suggestion that his work did not actually focus on this type of question but said that nothing in his work countered the idea that there was lots of water ice a the lunar poles. Don't miss this discussion with Dr. Doug and Dr. Bandfield.
Next, listener Baker asked Dr. Bandfield to explain OH hydroxyl and the difference with H2O. Our guest did spend several minutes breaking down the differences and the significance of it on the Moon, at the poles and such. BJohn then sent in emails asking about rocks and silicates, ISRU and more. Todd from San Diego asked about lunar surface activity undertaken by settlers, wondering if this activity would adversely impact the lunar surface and lunar environment. This opened up a comprehensive discussion about lunar planetary protection issues. This was extended to delaying settlement to better understand changes and what they mean to the lunar surface to developing a lunar environmental policy. Don't miss this discussion. You might be surprised by what our guest said about lunar environmental protection and lunar settlement.
Kim called to talk about specific graphs in the paper and the limitations of the 3 micron wavelength. They also talked about Ray Tracing. The subject of helium on the surface came up and we talked Apollo samples. Carol sent in a note going back to the planetary protection discussion and wanting to know if we should delay lunar settlement. Don't miss what our guest in response to this question, including putting out the idea of limiting the area allowed for lunar settlement and surface development.
BJohn sent in a note inquiring about comet impacts and the solar system frost line. Our guest then talked about how challenging it was to study this subject due to the solar wind and other complicating factors. As the program was about to end, BJohn asked another question wanting to compare lunar water around the poles with possible Mercury water.
Please post your comments/questions on TSS blog for this show. You can reach Dr. Bandfield through me.
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