NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in mid-2009, is revealing the moon in new detail. Imagery credit/NASA
Friday brings a rare Blue Moon — the definition of a second full moon within a single month.
At 31 days, August is one of those months with enough days to host the prospect.
Thanks to the Lunar and Planetary Institute, of Houston, the unusual event will also bring a brief, but dramatic audio and video look at the moon, as compiled from fascinating imagery of the lunar terrain gathered by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission.
Since its launching on June 18, 2009, LRO has furnished scientists with lunar imagery of unprecented detail, new evidence for frozen water on the moon and surprising evidence of “recent” geological activity.
The moon, first humanly explored by Apollo 11 commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin in 1969, still represents the closest planetary body to Earth available for further study by astronauts.
Armstrong died last Saturday, days after cardiovascular surgery.
High Definition video of the moon from LRO with an audio accompaniment will be available for a free download in iPhone, Quicktime, and Windows formats on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m., EDT, by visiting the following website:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/nlsi/moonVideo
For much more about the moon and the potential for future human activities there, visit:
Thanks to NASA, LPI, the Universities Space Research Association and the others involved with the mission for the unusual dramatic audio/video presentation.