Sunday, October 10, 2010

South Pole Mosaic


This mosaic is composed of images of the lunar south pole, taken between May 2005 and February 2006, during different phases of the mission and from a distance of about 400 km, allowing medium-field snapshots (about 40 km across) and high-resolution views (40 m/pixel) of the region. From 109 of 113 SMART-1 images of the Shackleton area taken during the season, an illuminated peak - located 7 km from the Shackleton rim - was identified. This "Peak of (almost) Eternal Light" could be used to supply electricity - via solar panels - for a future international lunar base.

Photo credit: ESA/SMART-1/AMIE

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