LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE AND SITE CHARACTERIZATION AT THE MARIUS HILLS SKYLIGHT.

The Marius Hills volcanic complex in Oceanus Procellarum is noted for its diverse assort-ment of lava flows, domes, cones, pits, and sinuous rilles [1]. The distinctive geology of this volcanic field prompted its inclusion as a candidate site for an Apollo landing, although ultimately it was not selected [2]. More recently, the discovery of a "skylight" (a lava tube ceiling collapse) in the region by the lunar orbit-ing satellite SELENE (KAGUYA) once again brought attention to Marius Hills [3]. Lava tubes are potentially important sites for the long-term human presence on the Moon because they provide shelter from surface hazards, including micrometeorites, radiation, extreme temperatures, and dust [4-5]. The discovery of this skylight as well as other skylights or pits on the Moon [6-7] and Mars [8] is compelling motivation for robotic and eventually human exploration missions to these sites for in situ investigations and site assessments to determine viability for habitation and utilization of lunar resources. Therefore, prior to any construction or emplacement of infrastructure, lunar reconnaissance and site characterization is essential [9-10].