Incredible new images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbitor (LRO)

[iceman]

Hadn't seen anyone post these yet, so here are:

NASA has released some of the first images from the LRO that's orbiting the moon.

http://www1.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/main/index.html

The resolution in these images is incredible, and will get even better once it settles into its orbit.

More here on the Bad Astronomer's Blog:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/07/02/lro-first-light-images-of-the-moon/

On this page, you can click on the first image and ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM right in!
http://wms.lroc.asu.edu/lroc_browse

I can't wait to see what it produces.

[Rod66]

Will this finally put an end to the conspiracy theorists about aliens on the other side of the moon?

Nice link Mike.

[Octane]

Rod,

Unfortunately, no. They'll just claim that the details such as the lunar landing site, footprints, the American flag, etc., have all been inserted via post-processing, or claim that the whole lot of images have been faked. These people go so far as to believe that the Shuttle launches are all faked and that it is technical wizardry which makes them appear on your television.

It is really rather sad.

Thanks for the links, Mike!

Regards,
Humayun

[renormalised]

Very good image resolution....should see some very interesting images over the next few months and such.

Rod....won't put an end to the conspiracy theories at all. They'll just say the bugs upstairs cloaked all their structures just before the LRO passed over!!!:P:P:D:D

[Spanrz]

Jeez, i swear I looked last night on that LRO website and there wasn't anything there....I basically gave up on an everyday basis of logging in.
I've been waiting for pics pics and more pics.!

Thanks Mike for putting me out of my misery. ;)

[stephenb]

Thanks Mike.

These are spectacular!! Wonderful detail. And this is only the beginning. Just imagine what we will have after about 12 months work?

Rod I agree with you but also understand what you are saying Humayun.

In the words of Gene Cernan "Truth needs no defense".