![]() ![]() The existing historical maps were redrawn to align them with the modern data sets, thus preserving previous observations and interpretations. Along with merging new and old data, USGS researchers also developed a unified description of the stratigraphy, or rock layers, of the moon. To create the new digital map, scientists used information from six Apollo-era regional maps along with updated information from recent satellite missions to the moon. “So, it’s wonderful to see USGS create a resource that can help NASA with their planning for future missions.” "People have always been fascinated by the moon and when we might return," said current USGS Director and former NASA astronaut Jim Reilly. The digital map is available online now and shows the moon’s geology in incredible detail (1:5,000,000 scale). The lunar map, called the “Unified Geologic Map of the Moon,” will serve as the definitive blueprint of the moon’s surface geology for future human missions and will be invaluable for the international scientific community, educators and the public-at-large. Credit: NASA/GSFC/USGS.įor the first time, the entire lunar surface has been completely mapped and uniformly classified by scientists from the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, in collaboration with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute. It will serve as a reference for lunar science and future human missions to the Moon. This geologic map is a synthesis of six Apollo-era regional geologic maps, updated based on data from recent satellite missions. This animation shows a rotating globe of the new Unified Geologic Map of the Moon with shaded topography from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). ![]()
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