Spying on the Lunar Landscape
By Jim Haklar
Here’s an image of the moon’s crater, Tycho, that I took in March of this year (Tycho is the bright crater in the center of the picture). Tycho is about 50 miles in diameter and it is very young – only around 108 million years old! There are other craters on the moon that are almost 4 billion years old, so Tycho is a mere baby compared to those senior citizens of the lunar landscape. Tycho was formed as a result of another celestial body hitting the moon at that spot, and with binoculars you can see “rays” of bright material that has been thrown far away from the impact site.
Tycho has a role in the science fiction movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, since it is the location where modern humans find an alien machine (or “monolith”) buried in the crater.
I’ve always been interested in the night sky, and I can remember receiving my first (toy) telescope when I was about six years old. While my interest in astronomy increased in high school, I only started getting seriously into astrophotography – a hobby that combines astronomy and photography – about 10 years ago. Since then I’ve taken pictures of the sun, moon, planets and “deep sky” objects, all of which I would like to share with you. The hobby has come a very long way since I started looking through a telescope many years ago!
About the author: Jim is an environmental engineer in EPA’s Edison Environmental Center, currently working in the PCB program. Since 1985 he has worked in a number of different programs including water permits and compliance, Superfund, and public affairs.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
This is lovely – but it doesn’t say anything about how it relates to anything at EPA.
Your post brings back fond recollections of when my father would set up our humble telescope in the backyard and I’d gaze at the wonders of the moon and stars. I’ve always maintained that childhood sense of exploration throughout life, and has kept me involved in pursuits related to science and nature.
Seems like a universe of possibilities opened up for a lot of folks with their first telescope. Thanks for the memories.
Great shot of one of the most visible features on Earth’s nearest neighbor. I’d enjoy seeing more.
people of NASA just be contented on that because as of now they still dont know yet that there are moon dwellers and also animal beings there.. if they discover this? again they will disturb the habitants of the moon.
Thanks! If you keep following this blog you will definitely see more shots!
You’re welcome! I’m glad the post brought back some good memories. Just think of how many of today’s scientists, engineers, and astronauts were first introduced to science (as children) through a toy telescope!
To turn EPA’s attention to the moon is very very important for us. The moon does the flows and ebbs. Full moon and new moon affects on our feelings. The moon foretells the weather. The moon shines in the night, when the sun is gun. The moon is the main.