High-Definition Moon Maps
SELENE
is Japan’s second lunar orbiter, and over the past little while it has
been sending detailed images back to Earth of our Moon. Thus, for the
first time ever, high definition and detailed images of the Moon are
being created.
Created using 1,127,392 point measurements taken with SELENE’s – or, as it is known in Japan, Kaguya – laser altimeter, these images are just preliminary versions.
However not only will these topographical maps help for better exploration, but the mineral deposits that are being discovered will also help officials plan for future moon missions.
Posted by Casey Kazan.
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Can they find mineral deposits on earth with the same methods??
Posted by: jake | April 15, 2008 at 06:26 AM
Jake: Similar technology on earth, called "digital terrine models" have been used as aids in exploration. engineering and civic planning for at least 25 years. Mineral exploration usually also required detained geological mapping, geochemical mapping, and mapping using a variety of geophysical methods including magnetic surveys, gravimetric surveys, radiometric surveying, seismology, various electromagnetic surveying techniques, and more.
Posted by: Tim | April 15, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Hopefully some of that data & imagery will be used to select a location for a future Lunar base. About time, don't you think ?
Posted by: knoxvilledaniel | April 16, 2008 at 09:54 PM