Microwave Thermal Emission Features of Mare Orientale Revealed by CELMS Data

Mare Orientale is the youngest and best-preserved multiring impact basin, whose microwave thermal emission (MTE) research has great significance for studying the internal thermal features and thermal structures of the lunar surface. In this paper, the microwave sounder (Chang'E Lunar Microwave Sounder, CELMS) data from Chang'E-2 satellite were used to study the MTE features of the Mare Orientale. The results indicate that the MTE features of the lunar regolith are much different between those in the superficial layer and in the substrate layer. Also, substrate temperature in the Orientale Basin is likely much higher than what we know. In addition, a new perspective is given to the Hevelius Formation, which is divided into the northeastern, northwestern, and southern parts, and has several potential linear structures. The results are of substantial geologic importance to study the thermal evolution of the Moon.