This map shows global compositional variations measured by the Diviner lunar radiometer aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The map is centered on the lunar nearside, which is visible from Earth, between 90 W and 90 E. The iron- and magnesium-rich maria appear red, while the calcium-rich highland appear blue-green. Highland areas with high silica (labeled) and enhanced sodium regions (purple circles) appear dark blue. Diviner measures the wavelength position (microns) of a mid-infrared spectral feature called the Christiansen feature, which is correlated with silicate composition.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/GSFC
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