Astronomers Detect Sodium Gas Ejected by Lunar Impact

(PhysOrg.com) -- Boston University astronomers announced today observations of a cloud of sodium gas ejected from the Moon`s surface as a result of the NASA impact experiment that was part of its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission (LCROSS). Jeffrey Baumgardner and Jody Wilson, senior research associates in the Center for Space Physics (CSP), conducted the observations from BU`s observing facility housed on the grounds of the McDonald Observatory in Ft. Davis, Texas.