Credit & Copyright: NASA,
U.S. Geological Survey
Explanation:
To prepare for the
Apollo landings, five
Lunar
Orbiter spacecraft were launched during 1966 and 1967 to
gather detailed images of our fair planet's large, natural
satellite.
Dramatic views returned by the spacecraft cameras included
this
stark moonscape.
The mosaic of 93 kilometer wide impact crater
Copernicus features
central peaks rising above the crater floor and rugged crater walls.
Note: As of today, June 16, the APOD editors have enjoyed presenting images from space missions, major observatories, and professional and amateur cosmic tourists alike for twelve years. A sincere thanks to our web site operators, translators, and to all for the gracious email and continued APOD submissions!
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
|
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: lunar orbiter
Publications with words: lunar orbiter
See also: