The lunar mean moment of inertia and the size of the Moon's core |
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Authors: | C Z Zhang M Shen |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Astronomy, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China |
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Abstract: | In this paper the relation between the uncertainty of the Moon's mean moment of inertia (I/Ma
2) and that of the core density ![delta](/content/m422631313107x2t/xxlarge948.gif) c is discussed with a two-layer model of the Moon - a mantle obeying Roche's law of the density distribution and a homogeneous core (Fe-core or Fe-FeS-core). When the uncertainty of I/Ma
2 is 0.0023 (that is the accuracy in present observation), a core with radius of 450 km will be appropriate to the limitation of ![delta](/content/m422631313107x2t/xxlarge948.gif) c about 1 g cm–3. Considering the accuracy obtained in space explorations, and the compressibility and the quasi-homogeneity of the Moon, we suggest that the parameters C
20, , , a, and GM of the Moon should define as primary constants, but C
22 and C/Ma
2 as derived constants. Therefore, the ratio of mass of Moon to that of Earth in the IAU (1976) system of astronomical constants will become a deducible constant. |
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Keywords: | |
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