Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
mascon
noun
/ˈmæskɒn/
Definition
A region of a planet or moon that has higher gravitational attraction than the surrounding areas, often associated with large impact craters.
Examples
- The mascon beneath the Oceanus Procellarum on the Moon is one of the most studied.
- Scientists use mascons to understand the geological history of celestial bodies.
- When mapping the Moon, researchers identified several mascons that influenced gravity measurements.
Meaning
Mascon stands for ‘mass concentration’ and refers to dense areas beneath the surface that affect gravitational measurements.
Synonyms
- mass concentration
- gravity anomaly
