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Glite Dictionary
mascon

mascon

1 9.9
A place on a planet or moon where gravity is stronger because of extra mass under the surface
  • noun
  • /ˈmæskɒn/
  • Specialized
: mascon
  • The spacecraft's orbit was affected by the unexpected presence of a mascon on the planet.

Examples

  • The study of mascons has revealed significant information about the Moon's gravitational anomalies.

  • Scientists discovered a mascon beneath the surface of Mars, indicating a large concentration of mass.

  • Scientists discovered a large mascon beneath the surface of the Moon's Mare Imbrium.

  • Researchers mapped the distribution of mascons to better understand the Moon's internal structure.

  • The scientists discovered a large mascon beneath the lunar surface.

  • Mars has several known mascons that affect its gravitational field.

  • Spacecraft can detect the gravity boost as they pass over a mascon on the Moon.

Surface Forms

mascon singular
mascons plural

Morphology

mascon = mass + concentration (semi-transparent) = mas + con

The term is a clipped blend of 'mass' + 'concentration' (i.e., 'mass concentration'), so the general idea is inferable from the components, but the clipped form is technical and may not be obvious to general learners.

Etymology

Mascon comes from joining mass and concentration. Think of it as a 'heavy spot' under a planet's surface that pulls more strongly with gravity, so a mascon is a region where extra mass below the ground makes gravity stronger.