VIRTUAL MOON ATLAS DATABASE SOFTWARE
VIRTUAL MOON ATLAS DATABASE DOWNLOAD
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The existing historical maps were redrawn to align them with the modern data sets, thus preserving previous observations and interpretations. Along with merging new and old data, USGS researchers also developed a unified description of the stratigraphy, or rock layers, of the moon.

To create the new digital map, scientists used information from six Apollo-era regional maps along with updated information from recent satellite missions to the moon. “So, it’s wonderful to see USGS create a resource that can help NASA with their planning for future missions.” 'People have always been fascinated by the moon and when we might return,' said current USGS Director and former NASA astronaut Jim Reilly. The digital map is available online now and shows the moon’s geology in incredible detail (1:5,000,000 scale). The lunar map, called the “Unified Geologic Map of the Moon,” will serve as the definitive blueprint of the moon’s surface geology for future human missions and will be invaluable for the international scientific community, educators and the public-at-large. Credit: NASA/GSFC/USGS.įor the first time, the entire lunar surface has been completely mapped and uniformly classified by scientists from the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, in collaboration with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute. It will serve as a reference for lunar science and future human missions to the Moon.

This geologic map is a synthesis of six Apollo-era regional geologic maps, updated based on data from recent satellite missions. If you have a mild curiosity about the Moon or are a dedicated selenographer this program will be useful.This animation shows a rotating globe of the new Unified Geologic Map of the Moon with shaded topography from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). The information from the LRO allows for amazing closeup shots. Textures can be downloaded to overlay historical mapping of the Moon from centuries ago or up to date information from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. A complete encyclopedic write-up is provided for the objects on the Moon that you can access just by clicking on the feature of interest. This helps to choose the correct eyepiece for what you would like to observe.

VIRTUAL MOON ATLAS DATABASE WINDOWS

Also, similar to Cartes Du Ciel, eyepiece target windows can be placed on the image. Notice it seems to tilt East and West to show a greater degree in either direction throughout the year.ĭistances on the Moon can be easily measured using the Virtual Moon Atlas. The video below shows the phases of the Moon throughout 2018. Depending on its current libration you can see further to the East or West. The libration is essentially its 'wobble' occurring due to its elliptical orbit. The current phase of the Moon can be shown and suggested targets along the terminator are displayed.Ī great function of the program is that it can show you the libration of the Moon. You can add your own image database and customize a journal of your observations. It can be zoomed in to see greater details. The main screen of the program is shown below.

VIRTUAL MOON ATLAS DATABASE DOWNLOAD

You can download associated image databases to view some of the amazing photography amateurs around the world have done. It is called Virtual Moon Atlas and I am just learning some of the great things that can be done with it.

VIRTUAL MOON ATLAS DATABASE SOFTWARE

There is a free software package online that can be downloaded which provides an excellent interactive map of the Moon. You can access a version of this book online at the following link.

I have the Atlas of the Moon book by Antonín Rükl that provides an amazing profile of all the areas on the front side of the Moon. In order to correctly identify them a Moon atlas is required. Although it may seem like a simple sphere there are many features on it that can be observed from Earth. The Moon is the closest celestial object in our sky.

Virtual moon atlas database