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Impact dynamics

Hi EP and list,

Here is a little tidbit I saved from the last days of Lunar Prospector which
explains impact dynamics recorded on the moon:

"The first component of the model is that of the impacts' physical effects
at
the antipodes (or, opposite side). When large objects strike, seismic and
surface waves are sent through the lunar material. This results in unusual
looking terrain at the antipodes, where the rocks appear to have been
temporarily fluidized and then resolidified. In addition, when ejecta from
the original impacts are sent flying, secondary impacts occur where they
land. Most of this ejecta lands near the periphery of the basin, but there
is an increased amount found at the antipodes. The combination of the
primary and secondary impacts' physical effects cause a shock, or pressure
pulse, to be sent through the material of the lunar crust. Microscopic
metallic iron particles in the soil carry this magnetization induced by this
shock to the antipodal regions causing an increased magnetic field."

According to this, within the ejecta there should be some of the meteoritic
material at the opposite side of the sphere.  This works for the Moon, but
our weather will have obliterated most of these, I assume, unless the
antipode is a desert, in which case they will be buried considerably.

Best Regards,
Julia






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