Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
mascon
noun
/ˈmæskɒn/
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Definition
A region of a planet or moon that has higher gravitational attraction than the surrounding areas, often associated with large impact craters.
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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.
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Meaning
Mascon stands for ‘mass concentration’ and refers to dense areas beneath the surface that affect gravitational measurements.
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Synonyms
- mass concentration
- gravity anomaly