The X-Ray Moon
Credit & Copyright:
DARA,
ESA,
MPE,
NASA,
J.H.M.M. Schmitt
Explanation:
This X-Ray image of
the Moon was made by
the orbiting Roentgen Observatory Satellite
(
ROSAT) in 1990. It shows three distinct regions:
a bright X-ray sky, a bright part of the Moon, and a relatively dark part
of the Moon. The bright X-ray sky is due to the diffuse cosmic
X-ray background.
The bright lunar crescent shines because it reflects X-rays emitted by
the Sun. The dark lunar face is in shadow
and so stands stands out from the relatively bright background -
but, surprisingly it is not completely dark!
Where do those X-rays from?
They are currently thought to result from energetic particles from
the solar wind
bombarding the lunar surface.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
