Astronomy Picture of the Day
    


Eclipsed Moon in Infrared
<< Yesterday 8.11.2003 Tomorrow >>
Eclipsed Moon in Infrared
Credit & Copyright: DCATT Team, MSX Project, BMDO
Explanation: The total lunar eclipse of September 1996 disappointed many observers in North America who were cursed with cloudy skies. However, the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite had a spectacular view from Earth orbit and SPIRIT III, an on board infrared telescope, was used to repeatedly image the moon during the eclipse. Above is one of the images taken during the 70 minute totality, the Moon completely immersed in the Earth's shadow. Infrared light has wavelengths longer than visible light - human's can not see it but feel it as heat. The bright spots correspond to the warm areas on the lunar surface, dark areas are cooler. The brightest spot below and left of center is the crater Tycho, the dark region at the upper right is the Mare Crisium. The series of SPIRIT III images allow the determination of cooling rates for geologically different areas, exploring the physical properties of the Moon's surface.

Tonight's Lunar eclipse: Times | Webcast | Webcast | Photo Tips
Totality begins at 1:06 Universal Time, November 9 (8:06pm EST Nov. 8).

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
 < November 2003  >
Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su





12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
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.

Based on Astronomy Picture Of the Day

Publications with keywords: Moon - infrared - lunar eclipse
Publications with words: Moon - infrared - lunar eclipse
See also:
All publications on this topic >>