Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps

Subject: Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps Sat Sep 10, 2011 11:10 pm

Nasa is sending twin probes called Grail to map tiny variations in the pull of gravity around the lunar body.

The information should give scientists fresh insight into the internal structure of Earth's satellite.

Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps _55221518_55212171

Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps _55221518_55212171

This will help explain many mysteries, such as why the farside of the Moon looks so different from that of the nearside with its great swathe of dark volcanic plains, or maria.

The data also will be an invaluable navigation tool for future exploration, enabling other spacecraft to make more precise landings.

A Delta rocket sent the Grail twins on their way. Its launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station occurred at 09:08 EDT (13:08 GMT; 14:08 BST).

The journey to the Moon is a slow cruise, however. The duo is not expected to enter into orbit until the turn of the year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14825641

Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps

Nasa's Grail twins to make gravity maps

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