Microwave Thermal Properties of Surface Deposits in Sinus Medii Revealed by CE-2 MRM Data

Sinus Medii has various geological features, and its location in the central part of the lunar nearside is ideal for calibrating ground-based lunar observation instruments. In this work, the Chang’E-2 (CE-2) microwave radiometer (MRM) data were used to evaluate the microwave thermal properties of the surface deposits in Sinus Medii combined with the previous geological results based on optical data. The findings are as follows: (1) a lunar calibration site (4.98°W, 3.02°N) is found where the TB performances show a good agreement with the compositions of the surface deposits, (2) a TB anomaly (0.24°W, 0.76°N) was found which may be related to high rock abundance in a crater, and (3) a possible cryptomare is revealed in the light plain southeast of Sinus Medii. This study of the microwave thermal properties in Sinus Medii helps search for calibration sites for ground-based observation instruments.