February 25, 2009
It's Only a Paper Crater
image by Marcin Szczukiewicz, Poland
No, this isn't an image of a Nasmyth and Carpenter lunar model from the 1870s. Its a modern model, based on the LAC 58 topographic chart of the crater Copernicus. And made of papier-mâché, a construction method we all can try. Why make models? They are wonderful visual and tactile aids to understanding the Moon, both for the general public and for scientists. Back in the 1960s lunar mega-scientist Gerard Kuiper hired a sculptor to create accurate models of the the central peak of Alphonsus and the Aristarchus Plateau, specifically for scientific study. Making a papier-mâché model of a crater, rille or dome will help you viscerally recognize the geometry of those features. Let me know if you do.
Chuck Wood
Technical Details
Paper-Mache. Image with Panasonic Lumix FZ7 camera and processed with GIMP (crop, filters).
Related Links
Rükl plate 31
Yesterday's LPOD: An Unfamiliar Fresh Crater
Tomorrow's LPOD: Sci-Fi Moon
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