Lunar Surface - Elemental Composition

Elemental Composition

Elements known to be present on the lunar surface include, among others, oxygen (O), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn) and titanium (Ti). Among the more abundant are oxygen, iron and silicon. The oxygen content is estimated at 45%. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) appear to be present only in trace quantities from deposition by solar wind.

Neutron spectrometry data from the Lunar Prospector indicate the presence of hydrogen (H) concentrated at the poles.

Relative Concentration (in weight %) of Various Elements on Lunar Highlands, Lunar Lowlands, and Earth

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