Post by glactus on Sept 28, 2008 16:54:05 GMT
Clemintine mosiac
Scientifically speaking, where is the best place on the Moon to set up a colony for research? Hands down, it has to be the Moon's south pole.
Mountainous areas near the rim of Shackelton Crater provide areas of almost continual sunlight, meaning solar power would be constantly available. In addition, the shadowed craters are in constant darkness and may hold water ice, a potential water supply that would be a vital resource for any lunar base.
Moonbase site
Plus it would be a great place to set up a lunar telescope. Recently, three-dimensional views of this region were released by the European Space Agency, taken by the SMART-1 spacecraft, providing unprecedented details of what has been called the "Peak of Eternal Light." Moon base designers, take a look.
The images were taken by the AMIE camera on board the SMART-1, which has since plunged into the moon's surface in a planned crash in 2006. The camera team has been working with the data to create digital elevation model of the peaks.
The Astronomer
Glactus
Credits:
This is part text only. See images, full text and all scientists involved at universetoday.com
www.universetoday.com/2008/09/26/future-moon-base-site-imaged-in-3-d/
Article presenter: Nancy Atkinson