LOLA: Peary and the Moon's North Pole

Peary Crater (88.6N, 33.0E), diameter 73 kilometers, near the lunar north pole, has been a subject of interest for many lunar and planetary scientists for years. In the 1990's NASA's Clementine mission imaged the crater, and scientists identified regions surrounding Peary that they suspect remain constantly in daylight throughout the 28 day lunar cycle [1]. However parts of Peary's interior remain in permanent shadow at all times, providing only limited views of its contents [2]. Topographical data from LOLA reveal details hidden in permanently shadowed regions, like those in Peary, that visible light cameras cannot image. View the full-sized LOLA Featured Image HERE [NASA/GSFC].

References: [1.] Bussey & Spudis (2004) The Clementine Atlas of the Moon. New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-81528-2. [2.] Garry (2009). Peary Crater: Greetings from the North Pole of the Moon, LROC, Arizona State University, December 24, 2009