March 21, 2015

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An Unusual View of a Lunar Limb

Originally published March 20, 2004


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Image Credit: Galileo, Dec 8, 1990

An Unusual View of a Lunar Limb

As the Galileo spacecraft swung by the Earth-Moon system to get a gravitational boost for its long trip to Jupiter, it imaged the Moon. Most attention was focused on the Full Moon view of Mare Orientale, visible at top right. No one seems to have paid much attention to the craters along the limb and terminator at the bottom of the image. I find it fascinating to try to identify familiar features when seen with a strange perspective like this. You try. In particular, see if you can figure out the name of the large crater at bottom right, or the brighter rimmed one a little further up along the limb. Move your mouse over the image for the surprising identifications.

Related Links:
South Polar Wilderness

Yesterday's LPOD: Selenology

Tomorrow's LPOD: Fold a Moon


Author & Editor:
Charles A. Wood

 


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