Advertisement

Updated April 30th, 2023 at 11:16 IST

NASA's ShadowCam captures darkest depths of Moon's South Pole | See pics

NASA's high-tech instrument ShadowCam is helping scientists and engineers gain a deeper understanding of the Moon's dark South Pole region.

Reported by: Deeksha Sharma
moon
Image: NASA | Image:self
Advertisement

With a successful Artemis I mission behind them, scientists at NASA are now putting a hypersensitive optical camera to use to explore an intriguing part of the moon. The instrument, known as ShadowCam, is helping a team of scientists and engineers gain a deeper understanding of the lunar South Pole region, a key focus of the Artemis III mission. 

According to NASA's official website, the camera has captured several striking images of the shadowy area as it flies with five other Korean instruments aboard KARI (Korea Aerospace Research Institute)'s KPLO (Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter), which launched last August. 

One of the first snapshots taken by ShadowCam displayed the moon's Shackleton crater in sharp detail. The crater is situated near the lunar South Pole. The instrument was able to capture high-quality images through its ability to function in extremely dimly lit environments, about 200 times better than the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Narrow Angle Camera.

All you need to know about ShadowCam

Another image was taken under Earthshine, a phenomenon that creates illumination on the Moon when a full Earth is observed. The ShadowCam is a creation of Malin Space Science Systems and Arizona State University (ASU), and is extremely light-sensitive.

The device can take high-resolution images of the darkest of regions on the Moon to help in lunar exploration. Since Danuri entered lunar orbit last year, the camera has recorded several images of the Moon's North and South Pole regions. 
While its primary function is to use secondary illumination from lunar geologic features for imaging, the camera has surpassed its abilities thanks to its high-tech features. 

Advertisement

Published April 30th, 2023 at 11:16 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo