Monday, December 16, 2013

Recent Moon Impacts

Hey Space Placers!

The Moon has become a popular topic with China's lunar landing - see my related blogs. Long time readers know that I am a "Lunatic" as to all things about the Moon. I can hardly wait for the data to flow in from Chang'e 3/Jutu and NASA's LADEE.

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) continues to provide images and data on a daily basis. LRO posted today (12/16) pics of a new impact crater that had been detected by NASA's Lunar Impact Program (LIP) on March 17, 2013.


 LIP has detected over 300 impacts to date and is providing valuable information on meteoroid impacts. Amateur astronomers are helping in this program by monitoring the Moon during major meteor showers using video cameras to capture any bright flashes that may indicate a new impact.

LRO has discovered changes in the lunar surface and will fly over Chang'e 3/Jutu's landing site to record changes in the lunar surface due to the landing and rover movement.

The Moon is getting attention again and I think the Chinese lunar efforts will only increase with follow on landings.

Sky Guy in VA

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