The USGS has published a brand new authoritative plan which plays a leading role in explaining the formation and evolution of the Moon throughout the past 4.5 billion years. The lunar map displays the composition of the surface of our natural satellite, aiming to explain the formation of the bright and dark spots on the Moon. The classification of the entire lunar surface was realized by USGS in collaboration with NASA, alongside the Lunar Planetary Institute.
The map was entitled to the Unified Geologic Map of the Moon, and it will guide the future explorations of humans in the outer space. The map can be accessed by anyone since it is available online, displaying the surface of the Moon in incredible detail, using a scale of 1:5,000,000.
The leading researchers have declared that since the humanity has always been interested in human explorations on the Moon, it is impressive to see the creation of such an original map for future missions on the natural satellite.
More About The Lunar Map
The plan was created using the details provided by the Apollo mission, as well as the recently released information by the other satellites that were sent in the outer space to analyze the Moon. The recently released map offers impressive details, aiming to reduce the uncertainty. It stands out from the other published maps since the scientists have managed to come with a full description of every rock, as well as names and ages.
Corey Fortezzon, the leading author of the study, has declared that the map is the result of a project that brings together research from decades ago. The vital information it provides combines the exploration of several areas of the Moon, as well as the rest of the lunar surface.
The data from the equatorial region of the Moon was obtained with the help of the SELENE project, while the topography in the north and south poles were provided by the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter. The lunar map project is an ambitious one, and it is available here.
