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Lunar south pole
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- Title Lunar south pole
- Released 30/01/2013 11:06 am
- Copyright ESA
- Description
Mosaic of the lunar south pole from images acquired by ESA's SMART-1 mission. The lunar poles are spared the temperature extremes of the two-week lunar days and nights experienced in lower latitudes. This mosaic is composed of images of the lunar south pole, taken between May 2005 and February 2006, during different phases of the mission and from a distance of about 400 km, allowing medium-field snapshots (about 40 km across) and high-resolution views (40 m/pixel) of the region. From 109 of 113 SMART-1 images of the Shackleton area taken during the season, an illuminated peak - located 7 km from the Shackleton rim - was identified. This "Peak of (almost) Eternal Light" could be used to supply electricity - via solar panels - for a future international lunar base.
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