What is the physical model used in the function "gravitysp​hericalhar​monic" in the case of the Moon?

What is the physical model used in the function "gravitysphericalharmonic"in the case of the Moon?

Answer 1

[Michael Madelaire]

If you are asking what spherical harmonics are then I suggest finding a paper on it online or starting with Wikipedia.

But simply put is it the solution to Laplace's equation, which simply states that the double derivative of the potential equals zero. This only holds when examening space outside the source.

I'll be honest I don't want to go more in detail. This is a large topic.

[Francesco Guiglia]

Dear Michael Madelaire,

many thanks for your answer, but rathen than an explanation of what spherical harmonics are, I would like to know who (and when) computed the coefficients of the Moon model that MATLAB is using. I would also like to know the dataset that has been used to calibrate (finding the coefficient) of the Moon model. I had a look in the function references but they are more on the spherical harmonics theory (definition, robustness, computational speed and so on). I hope you can help me. Best regards,

Francesco

[Michael Madelaire]

The Mathworks function description more or less answers your question.

Description

The models are called: LP100K and LP165P. LP for Lunar Prospector (mission) and 100/165 for the spherical harmonic degree.

I didn't know anything about this, but a very quick google search on "LP100K Moon model", yielded this

Scientific paper

I haven't bothered reading more than the abstract, from which it is vague who made the LP100K, but it appears they are presenting the LP165 model.

As for you actual question:

Who made it?: Read the articles.

What data did they use?. Read the articles, or ask the author.

These answers where in plain sight, you even referred to the function yourself. Next time try a quick google search.