March 20, 2004

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An Unusual View of a Lunar Limb

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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 [LPOD-2004-03-18.htm 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

Tomorrow's LPOD: Fold A Moon


Author & Editor:
Charles A. Wood

Technical Consultant:
Anthony Ayiomamitis

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