NASA · Space

Lunar Farside Image Revealed

An image mosaic from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter showcases the Moon's farside, revealing its distinct surface features.

The Moon is tidally locked, meaning it always shows the same face to Earth. However, from lunar orbit, its farside becomes visible.

This image is a mosaic of over 15,000 pictures taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's wide-angle camera between November 2009 and February 2011.

The highest resolution version of the mosaic displays features at a scale of 100 meters per pixel.

The farside's surface appears rough and battered, differing significantly from the smooth, dark lunar maria found on the nearside.

Scientists believe the farside's thicker crust may have prevented molten material from reaching the surface to form maria.

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