We know moon as our neighbour that shines in the night sky. With its craters, it is beautiful in its own way. And many researchers have pondered the idea of humans actually living on the Moon.
And NASA scientists over the years have already been exploring the lunar surface to see if life on Moon is actually possible. However, now they¡¯ve taken this to the next level, by creating a detailed map of the entire moon, and it looks breathtaking, to say the least.
NASA has teamed up with USGS (United States Geological Survey) to create the most detailed map of our neighbouring moon. The map has been created by scientists taking information from six Apollo-era regional maps and updated the information from recent satellite missions to the lunar surface. Old maps were redrawn and realigned in accordance with modern data, marking every crater on the celestial object.
USGS researchers have also created a unified description of the stratigraphy or layers of the rock on the lunar surface. According to USGS geologist Corey Fortezzo, ¡°This map is a culmination of a decades-long project. It provides vital information for new scientific studies by connecting the exploration of specific sites on the moon with the rest of the lunar surface.¡±
You can check out the map here, and even though its a marvellous feat for future space missions, it looks mesmerising to look at, with bright punchy colours categorising different craters and regions. It¡¯s surely nothing like we¡¯ve seen in the past.
In case you were wondering why do we need such a detailed map for Moon in the first place, well, researchers are taking interest in Moon once again. A detailed map like this will enable the safe landing of humans or hardware on the lunar surface.?
NASA is gearing up to send humans on the Moon once again through its Artemis missions by 2024. Even the European Space Agency is looking for more Lunar missions in the future.
Even Jeff Bezos wants to set up mining facilities on the Moon to source rare minerals from the lunar surface.
Anyway, with the condition Earth is in right now, even without COVID-19 -- the extreme pollution, climate change could make it difficult for humans to survive and we will have to look at other options to save humanity. What do you think?