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Credit & Copyright: Frank Barrett
Explanation:
The brilliant full Moon might not have
looked quite like this to skygazers this week, but
the
image is a mosaic
of 18 digital frames recorded on December 9th at 3:30 UT.
At that time, the Moon was only about seven hours past its exact
full phase
or time of maximum illumination
as viewed from Earth.
Here, the pixel values corresponding to light and dark
areas have been translated in reverse, or inverted, producing a
false-color representation
reminiscent of a black and white
photographic
negative.
Normally bright rays from the large
crater Tycho dominate the
southern (bottom) features as easily followed dark lines emanating
from the 85 kilometer diameter impact site.
Normally dark lunar mare appear
light and silvery.
Traditionally, astronomical images
recorded on
photographic plates
were directly examined in this negative color scheme, which can help
the eye pick out faint details.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: full moon
Publications with words: full moon
See also: