| Name: Reehana Quadri |
| Affiliation: Osmania University |
| Conference ID: ASI2026_69 |
| Title: Geomorphological Analysis of Lunar South Polar Region |
| Abstract Type: Poster |
| Abstract Category: Sun, Solar System, Exoplanets, and Astrobiology |
| Author(s) and Co-Author(s) with Affiliation: Reehana Quadri(Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500007, India), P. Senthil Kumar(CSIR - National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad - 500007, India), J. Rukmini(Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500007, India) |
| Abstract: The Lunar South Polar Region (LSPR) has been a central point of upcoming robotic and human explorations due to the presence of Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) that serve as cold traps for volatile resources. The distribution of primary impact craters opens a window into the chronology of the lunar highlands. In addition, meteoroid impacts, tectonics and mass wasting features provide important insights into the recent surface changes. In an astronomical context, these regions serve as a historical archive of various volatile materials that were delivered to the Moon by comets or asteroids. A foundational phase for placing future low-frequency radio telescope designed to specifically observe the Cosmic Dark Ages, prevented from Earth’s radio interference begins with assessing the stability and shielding properties of polar craters. This study adds to a targeted geomorphological assessment of terrains which are near to the proposed landing sites for future lunar missions. By analysing the transition areas between constantly illuminated ridges and adjacent PSRs, essential data are obtained to ensure mission safety and survivability while enabling the pursuit of high-impact scientific objectives. The current work is a targeted analysis of high-resolution data from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). In order to perform boulder counting, spatial distribution mapping, and identifying surface hazards at sub-meter scale, Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images are used. These observations are combined with Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) to derive slope gradients and topographic parameters. Interpreting the geomorphological characteristics of the lunar surface in a few specific areas in the LSPR would provide important clues to the recent surface processes that affected the Moon, natural hazards, including safe landing of the astronauts and rover mobility in the exploration sites. |
