NASA Investigates Mysterious Lunar Magnetic Anomaly with Advanced Spectrometer

NASA is investigating an unexplained magnetic anomaly on the Moon's nearest-facing side using a next-generation plasma spectrometer called the Magnetic Anomaly Plasma Spectrometer (MAPS). Developed by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), MAPS will be incorporated into NASA's Lunar Vertex lander for the upcoming Lunar Vertex investigation. The spectrometer will study the interaction between the solar wind and the Moon's surface materials, particularly in the Reiner Gamma region, which produces a localized magnetic field. MAPS aims to understand the influence of the magnetic anomaly on the solar wind and provide insights into the Moon's formation and evolution.