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Moon facts


Moon: Orbiting planet Earth
Distance from Earth: 360-410.000km
Diameter 3.474km
Atmosphere: No
Temp: -270ºC

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New images from the Moon
Wednesday, 17 March 2010 14:26
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Solar system - The moon

LRO lunar images

NASA released a great number of high resolution images of the Moon from their Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO)

There are 55terabytes data and images from the seven instruments on board NASA’s LRO


Each of the seven instruments is unique and will provide data in different formats to the Planetary Data System. Much of the data will be in a relatively low level form, not highly processed, which allows researchers to maximize flexibility in working with the data. The instrument teams will also provide higher level data products in the form of maps and calibrated images for the general public. Many of the images can be accessed using a computer with an internet browser.

tycho crater floor
Example of image: Part of the Tycho crater floor


Prior to the formal release of LRO data, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team released several hundred images from the pair of Narrow Angle Cameras on-board the spacecraft. These images were released to give researchers a head start on using the data before the tidal wave of data was unleashed.

“We're able to take advantage of the close proximity of the Moon, compared to other objects in the solar system, to transmit data from LRO back to Earth at a very high rate,” said Keller. “The first data release is 55 terabytes. The one year exploration mission will deliver 130 terabytes of data, enabling a more detailed study our nearest celestial neighbor. We expect LRO to provide more data than all of the previous planetary missions combined.”

LRO is scheduled for a one year exploration mission in a polar orbit about 31 miles above the lunar surface. During this time, LRO will produce a comprehensive map of the lunar surface in unprecedented detail, search for resources and potential safe landing sites for a potential future return to the moon and measure lunar temperatures and radiation levels.

Source: LRO homepage
Images are available from the Planetary Photojournal

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/news/image_release.html