NASA’s. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter ..has sent back its first pictures from its orbit just 30 miles above the lunar surface. The incredible thing is that the camera used was built to be out of focus on earth but in focus once “baked” in orbit around the moon. The resolution of images will be as good as 1mm…!!
Lunar surface from LRO
The mission is focusing on the polar regions due to the potential presence of water in the regions in permanent shadow and to complete a “comprehensive atlas of the moon’s features and resources”. To do this it will use many tools including laser technology altimeters that will map the surface for future landing sites.
It is fantastic to see the first step back to the moon after so many years, especially as it is being seen as a test-bed for technologies to be used to explore Mars.
Filed under: Science, Uncategorized , Astronomy, focus, laser, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars, Moon, Orbit, Photography
