Probe Returns First Pictures of the Moon
"Our first images were taken along the moon's terminator -- the dividing line between day and night -- making us initially unsure of how they would turn out," lead scientist Mark Robinson, with Arizona State University in Tempe, said in a press release.
"Because of the deep shadowing, subtle topography is exaggerated, suggesting a craggy and inhospitable surface. In reality, the area is similar to the region where the Apollo 16 astronauts safely explored in 1972," he added.
LRO reached lunar orbit on June 23. The goal of the mission is to map the surface of the moon so NASA can find safe and scientifically interesting landing spots for future excursions. The agency is planning to return astronauts to the moon by 2020.
The images show a region in the lunar highlands south of Mare Nublum, the Sea of Clouds. The older impact craters have softened edges, while younger craters appear crisp. Each image shows a region 1,400 meters (0.87 miles) wide. The image below shows where the two images were taken, relative to each other.
(Credit: NASA)
Howdy, Neighbor.
Posted by: David Buchner | July 07, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Hello,
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Best wishes,
Lauren
Posted by: Lauren | July 14, 2009 at 06:17 AM