Publication Date:
2005-11-30
Description:
The proton-produced Na-22 content of samples of Surveyor 3 TV camera, surface sampler scoop, and other components was determined by nondestructive gamma ray spectrometry. The contributions of the nine most prominent solar flares to Na-22 production were calculated to be 18 dpm/kg. The observed activity in the Surveyor 3 samples was 62 + or - dpm/kg. This indicates a galactic proton contribution of about 44 dpm/kg, which adjusted for spallation of Al gives a value of 42 dpm/kg. This is compared to measurements of 88 dpm/kg in the Lost City meteorite which had an orbit extending to 2.35 AU, with a 4 pi bombardment as compared to the 2 pi bombardment of the samples on the lunar surface. The agreement between Na-22 production in Surveyor 3 and the Lost City meteorite offers evidence that the galactic cosmic ray flux is almost the same at 1 Au and at 2.35 AU.
Keywords:
SPACE RADIATION
Type:
NASA, Washington Analysis of Surveyor 3 Mater. and Phot. Returned by Apollo 12; p 196-200
Format:
text
