High resolution map of the lunar surface. “Moon: video flights above the surface” - based on high-resolution photo images transmitted by the Kaguya lunar satellite

In high resolution from the Chang'e-2 lunar orbiter. Chinese scientists collected global map The Moon, using photographs taken by the Chang'e-2 spacecraft with an unprecedented precision of 7 meters. Credit: China Space Program More global lunar images below.

Chinese scientists have compiled a high-resolution map of the entire Moon and released a series of global photographs of the Moon on Monday, February 6th.

The composite lunar maps were created from more than 700 high-resolution single photographs taken by China's Chang'e-2 spacecraft and published by the country's State Bureau of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND), according to reports from the authorities. government controlled Xinhua and new CCTV agencies.

"The map and photographs are high-resolution photographs of the completeness of the lunar surface that have been published so far," said Liu Dongkui, spokesman for the commander-in-chief Chinese project lunar probe, Xinhua reports.

Of course there are many photographs higher resolution many single locations on the Moon, photographed from the orbit of other countries and from the surface by the lunar landing Apollo astronauts, as well as Russian and American landers and research mobile vehicles.

China has released a high-resolution global map of the Moon from the Chang'e-2 lunar orbiter. Credit: China Space Program.

Chang'e-2 is China's second lunar probe and it reached orbit around our nearest neighbor in space in October 2010. It was launched on October 1, 2010 and named after the legendary Chinese Moon Goddess.

Photos high resolution were taken between October 2010 and May 2011 using an instrument with charge coupled(CCD) stereo camera as the spacecraft flew overhead in a highly elliptical orbit at altitudes ranging from 15 km to 100 km.

Chang'e-2's maps have a resolution of 7 meters, which is 17 times greater than that of China's first lunar orbiter; Chang'e-1 launched in 2007.

Global lunar map of the Chinese lunar orbiter Chang'e-2. Credit: China Space Program

In fact, the maps are detailed enough that Chinese scientists were able to detect traces of the Apollo landers, said Yan Yun, chief application scientist for the China Lunar Exploration Project.

Chang'e-2 also captured high-resolution images of the Sinus Iridum region, or Gulf of Rainbows, where China could land its next mission. The camera had a resolution of 1 meter at its lowest height.

The satellite left lunar orbit in June 2011 and current time orbits the Moon at the second Lagrange point (L2), located at a distance of more than 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

Chinese space program officials hope for a 2013 launch of the Chang'e-3 lunar exploration module, which was the first to land on another astronomical body. Next step China after the research module is possible - it is possible to attempt a mission in 2017.

Demonstrating the ability to successfully conduct an unmanned lunar landing is a key milestone that must be achieved before China can land astronauts on the Moon, possibly within the next decade.

NASA's GRAIL twins recently reached lunar orbit in new year holidays. The probe duo was simply renamed "Ebb and Flow" - the winning contestants in a naming contest submitted by 4th year US students from Bozeman, Montana.

At this time, NASA does not have a funded or approved robotic lunar landing mission due to severe budget cuts. And even harmful NASA cuts will soon be announced!

Russia hopes to send the Lunar Glob spacecraft around 2015.

Since the US unilaterally killed its plans to return to the US, it is very possible that the next flag placed on the people will be Chinese.

In 2007, Japan launched artificial satellite Moon, who received the name “ Kaguya" in honor of moon princess from an old Japanese fairy tale. More official name mission - SELENE (from SELenological and ENgineering Explorer, i.e. “selenological and technological research apparatus”). Together with Kaguya, two subsatellites were launched - Okina and Oyuna (named after the fairy-tale old man and woman who sheltered the lunar princess) - their task was, flying in independent orbits, to relay radio signals between the Earth and the main satellite and help in parts of measurements.

"Kaguya" and its subsatellites flew around the surface along various trajectories for almost two years. During this time they were transferred thousands of high resolution photos . Was compiled topographic map Moons with a resolution of 15 km. Hundreds measured various parameters our only natural satellite.

Since the pictures were taken from space, i.e. the Earth's atmosphere did not create interference, then the photo surface of the moon turned out super clear. In addition, the photographs also show view of the Earth from the Moon from different angles and at different positions relative to each other...

Based on the submitted photographs, many fascinating HDTV video. Here are some of the most colorful examples of lunar videos (all videos are available watch online in high definition in full screen):

1. Video of the lunar surface in the area of the Copernicus crater (its diameter is 93 km)

2. Earth rising over the Moon on April 5, 2008 (closer view of the Earth)

3. Video of the Kaguya flyby of the Tycho crater. The crater is located in the southern part of the Moon and is surrounded by a system of “rays” up to one and a half thousand kilometers long.

4. Video flight over the south pole of the Moon

5. Video of the far side of the Moon (in the Moscow Sea area)

6. Short promo video for the Kaguya project

7. And finally, a short documentary about the history of lunar exploration and the Kaguya mission (in English)

Space is getting closer and closer to us. Man has already left his mark on the moon. The next step is the construction of a permanent base on it. Japan, China, India, the European Union, the USA - all of them, one way or another, are developing their own lunar programs. Flights of probes to the Moon, exploration of its surface and interior, search for water and mineral deposits are the first stage in the implementation of these plans. The Second Moon Race is in full swing. We can only hope that Russia will also find its place in this grandiose space enterprise...

However, the Moon, for all its fascinating “cosmic” nature, is perceived rather functionally. Romance seems to live on now on Mars... You can compare them by watching: “Planet Mars: video flights over the surface” - based on high-resolution photo images transmitted by the Mars reconnaissance orbiter ...

UPD.1.
On the official website of the Kaguya project (KAGUYA/ SELENE): http://www.selene.jaxa.jp/en/index.htm - you can watch and download video and photo images of the Moon in high resolution.

(The Japanese server is sometimes unavailable. Below in the comments are posted the most beautiful ones, in our opinion High resolution photographs of the Moon, taken from Kaguya's apparatus.)

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The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth. Attention to this cosmic body has been riveted at all times. very clearly visible in the night and sometimes in the daytime sky. In ancient times, the Moon, along with the Sun, was called a real god or goddess. The Moon was also credited and still is credited with magical abilities, as well as an influence on human nature and the psyche. Until now, numerous rumors, myths and legends circulate around the satellite of our planet. Until now, no one knows with 100% accuracy whether Americans were on the Moon or not? Special attention We are also attracted by the dark side of the Moon, that is, the side that it never turns towards us. Rumor has it that dark side There may be alien bases or colonies of some living creatures. There are also rumors around the Moon that it is hollow inside and creates a deceptive feeling of lifelessness. However, all these rumors remain rumors, most of which, there is no doubt, are just the machinations of people who are looking for their benefit in artificially created sensations.

Besides being the only satellite of the Earth, the Moon is the closest planetary satellite to the Sun. In the sky of our planet, the Moon is the second brightest after the Sun. In all solar system The moon is the fifth largest. The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is 384,467 meters. The average radius of the Moon is 1737.1 km. The temperature at the equator reaches 130 degrees Celsius, and at night it reaches minus 170 degrees. It is worth noting that a lunar day and a lunar night on the Moon reach 15 Earth days. The Earth's satellite is constantly being examined by scientists. After the Americans allegedly visited its surface, no more attempts were made to send people to the Moon. However, due to its close distance, scientists view the Moon as great alternative in order to place the first colonies of settlers there in the near future.

Photos of the Moon in high resolution

Admire the first photo of the moon's surface in high resolution, obtained from space, Earth and the Lunokhod, with Soviet and color footage of the reverse side.

Our closest neighbor to Earth is our only satellite, the Moon. It is not surprising that humanity has managed to complete successful missions and receive excellent High resolution photographs of the moon. After all, if we want to explore space, then we must understand what is happening literally around the corner. In the photo of the Moon you can see that it is a small object with a crater surface. Gravity is lower than Earth's, so pictures of the moon demonstrate how astronauts move with high jumps. You have the opportunity to look at amazing geology and get to know this world better. Photo of the Moon high resolution will allow you to admire reverse side, explore craters and landing sites, and also see the Earth from space.

Photos of the Moon in high resolution

Buzz Aldrin on the Moon

Bean walks on the moon

Astronaut Alan Bean stopped near the instrument carrier during the Apollo 12 mission on the lunar surface. Black and white photograph The moon was made by Charles Conrad. His reflection can be seen on the spacesuit.

Two ships on the moon

Earth, Moon, Hubble

During a mission in December 1999, the Discovery crew managed to obtain photos of the bright Moon, our planet and part of the Hubble Space Telescope. On the left is the earth's horizon. The Moon appears bright because it has entered the Full Moon phase and is closest to the Earth.

Earth Moon

Moon in a frame

This image was taken in 1998 from the rear windows of the Discovery. The Earth is visible on the left, and the Moon in the center. The STS-95 mission flew over Atlantic Ocean. Also on this flyby, Senator and Project Mercury member John Glenn returned to space.

moon walk

James Irwin works near the lunar vehicle during the Apollo 15 mission in the Hadley Apennines. In the foreground is the shadow of the Falcon lunar module. The photo of the Moon was taken by Commander David Scott. Apollo 15 launched on July 26, 1971 from Kennedy Space Center. The pilot was Alfred Warden.

To the moon

View of the Moon from the ISS

On November 12, 2013, a photo of the Earth's satellite of the Moon was taken from the ISS. Typically, during missions, crew members have time to look at hundreds of various types Moons. But our neighbor continues to attract attention. The photo from space was taken at 00:00:00 GMT.

First look at Earth from the Moon

Ride on the Moon

Apollo 16 landing

Apollo 12 landing

Passage of the Moon in front of the Sun

During the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017, the Earth's satellite passed in front of the Sun. Photo of the Sun and Moon taken from Ross Lake in National Park Northern Canada. A total solar eclipse covered a narrow part of the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. The partial event could be observed from South America, Africa and Europe.

Good night, Moon