Image for Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3)

Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3)

The Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) is an advanced instrument onboard India's Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission, designed to analyze the Moon's surface composition. It uses specialized sensors to detect specific wavelengths of light reflected from the lunar surface, enabling scientists to identify different minerals and materials like water ice, feldspar, and pyroxene. By mapping these minerals across the Moon, M3 helps researchers understand its geological history, surface processes, and potential resources. Its high-resolution data enhances our knowledge of lunar geology, aiding future exploration and scientific discoveries about our closest celestial neighbor.