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| =Superb Copernicus!= | | =Superb Copernicus!= |
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| + | <p>[[File:Copernicus-detail-Wes.jpg|Copernicus-detail-Wes.jpg]]<br /> |
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− | <p>[[File:Copernicus-detail-Wes.jpg|Copernicus-detail-Wes.jpg]]<br />
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| <em>images by [mailto:starman2@charter.net Wes Higgins] (left) and Lunar Orbiter IV-123 (right)</em></p> | | <em>images by [mailto:starman2@charter.net Wes Higgins] (left) and Lunar Orbiter IV-123 (right)</em></p> |
| <p>For decades there were informal [http://www.lpod.org/?page_id=632 competitions] to see who could map and then image the maximum number of craterpits on the floor of Plato. But now that amazing techniques allow amateurs with 5″ scopes to depict the 2 km wide pits, a new challenge is necessary. And Wes has established the playing field and set the bar very high. Copernicus has always been a target of observers because of its size, freshness and commanding position. But now with this image (and the matching Lunar Orbiter IV one) it is seen that its floor has a small number of tiny craters. I have estimated the widths of a few of the pits. The largest, Copernicus A, high on the east wall under the peak Copernicus Alpha, is 3.5 km in diameter. On the upper right quadrant of the floor there are three pits defining a right angle - the corner one is 1.2 km wide. Halfway up the northwest wall is a sharp pit 750 m in diameter. These three provide targets and dimensions for judging future images. And while you are at Copernicus notice the intricate scalloping of the rim and each associated slump deposit. Look at Wes’ full [http://higginsandsons.com/astro/images/Copernicus-09-14-06.jpg image] to see fascinating details beyond Copernicus’ rim.</p> | | <p>For decades there were informal [http://www.lpod.org/?page_id=632 competitions] to see who could map and then image the maximum number of craterpits on the floor of Plato. But now that amazing techniques allow amateurs with 5″ scopes to depict the 2 km wide pits, a new challenge is necessary. And Wes has established the playing field and set the bar very high. Copernicus has always been a target of observers because of its size, freshness and commanding position. But now with this image (and the matching Lunar Orbiter IV one) it is seen that its floor has a small number of tiny craters. I have estimated the widths of a few of the pits. The largest, Copernicus A, high on the east wall under the peak Copernicus Alpha, is 3.5 km in diameter. On the upper right quadrant of the floor there are three pits defining a right angle - the corner one is 1.2 km wide. Halfway up the northwest wall is a sharp pit 750 m in diameter. These three provide targets and dimensions for judging future images. And while you are at Copernicus notice the intricate scalloping of the rim and each associated slump deposit. Look at Wes’ full [http://higginsandsons.com/astro/images/Copernicus-09-14-06.jpg image] to see fascinating details beyond Copernicus’ rim.</p> |
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| [http://higginsandsons.com/astro/ Wes’ website]<br /> | | [http://higginsandsons.com/astro/ Wes’ website]<br /> |
| [http://www.lpod.org/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=3&pos=42 Clementine hi Sun view]<br /> | | [http://www.lpod.org/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=3&pos=42 Clementine hi Sun view]<br /> |
− | [http://www.lpod.org/archive/archive/2004/02/LPOD-2004-02-04.htm Bruno Daversin’s excellent view]</p> | + | [[February_4,_2004|Bruno Daversin’s excellent view]]</p> |
− | <p align="center"><em>Now you can support LPOD when you buy ANY book from Amazon thru [http://www.lpod.org/?page_id=102 LPOD!]</em></p> | + | <p><b>Yesterday's LPOD:</b> [[October 13, 2006|Mercy, Mersenius!]] </p> |
− | </div>
| + | <p><b>Tomorrow's LPOD:</b> [[October 15, 2006|A Lunar Geologist is Born]] </p> |
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− | ===COMMENTS?===
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