Radio emission of the Moon before and after the Lunar Prospector impact

Abstract

The direct impact of the American spacecraft Lunar Prospector into the Moon on July 31, 1999 was accompanied by seismic effects comparable to a big moonquake. Such an impact can be accompanied by radio seismic radiation of the lunar surface layers. For registration of the lunar radio seismic radiation after the Lunar Prospector impact radio observations of the Moon on two 64-m radio telescopes at 13, 21, and 90 cm were conducted on July 30 - August 2, 1999. Changes of the radio temperature of the south polar regions after the impact were detected. The Lunar Prospector impact may have been the cause of these changes. Recommendations about the registration of the lunar radio seismic radiation during the Leonid meteor showers are given.