Eclipsed Moon in Infrared
Explanation:
Last September's total lunar eclipse
disappointed many observers in the Eastern and Midwestern US who
were cursed with cloudy skies.
However, the
Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) satellite had
a spectacular view
from Earth orbit and
SPIRIT III, an onboard imaging 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
curves for geologically different areas, exploring the physical properties
of the Moon's surface.
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.
