Wednesday, August 26, 2009

First LROC Stereo results from LRO


Synthetic perspective view looking south from the Apollo 16 landing area, topography is rendered naturally (no vertical exaggeration) and Perspective view, LROC image and Digital Elevation Model [NASA/GSFC/Ohio State University via LROC ASU] Though originally believed to be a geological disappointment, because the region did not yield evidence of volcanism in the manner hoped, the landing area of Apollo 16 is high on the list of the fifty most important future landing sites. Analysis of magnetic field data collected by Lunar Prospector showed the high albedo on the Descartes Formation to be coincident with a Lunar Magnetic Anomaly, topography there shows unique characteristics and the geology of the area has become a standard reference for missions like Japan's Kaguya.

No comments: