A brief introduction to the Surface Electrical Properties experiment

Abstract

One of the experiments to be done on the Moon by the Apollo 17 astronauts uses radio waves to "see" down into the Moon, possibly as far as a few kilometers. We will look for layering in the Moon's rocks and soils. We will look for large boulders that are completely buried and so hidden entirely from the astronauts' eyes and also from telescopes. We will even look for water although we do not really expect to find any subsurface water. And finally, we will measure the electrical properties of the Moon. We expect to study a large portion of the landing site. Our experiment will be carried on each traverse made during the second and third EVAs (Extra Vehicular Activity).