Gruithuisen Domes in the north-west of the near side of the Moon

Gruithuisen Domes in the north-west of the near side of the Moon
Gruithuisen Domes in the north-west of the near side of the Moon
The lander is expected to arrive near the Gruithuisen domes. The two volcanic mountains Mons Gruithuisen Gamma (left) and Mons Gruithuisen Delta (right; image mosaic from four images acquired by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera 2009-2011, image width approx. 55 kilometres) are of volcanic origin. Volcanism was not uncommon on the Moon; it mainly formed the extensive dark plains that are clearly visible from Earth. These were formed from thin basaltic lava. However, the Gruithuisen domes must have been formed from a more viscous, barely flowable lava, which on Earth is produced by the addition of water – but which does not exist on the Moon. Scientists are hoping to gain new insights into the history of the formation of the domes.
Credit:

NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University