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Artemis 2: Eyes on the Moon 50 Years Later
5 Apr
Summary
- Astronauts will use their eyes to study the Moon, akin to early Apollo missions.
- Crew trained for two years to become 'field scientists' for lunar observation.
- The Moon will appear basketball-sized from the Orion spacecraft.
More than 50 years after the initial lunar flybys, the Artemis 2 mission is revving up to observe the Moon using a surprisingly basic yet powerful instrument: the human eye. NASA scientists emphasize that despite technological leaps, astronauts' vision remains crucial for understanding lunar nuances.
The four Artemis 2 crew members have undergone rigorous, two-year training to become "field scientists." This preparation included classroom learning, geological field trips to Iceland and Canada, and simulated lunar flybys. Their objective is to closely examine specific lunar sites and phenomena.
During the multi-hour flyby, astronauts will observe the Moon's surface with their own eyes, supplementing onboard cameras. They are tasked with identifying subtle color variations and understanding how lighting impacts the appearance of lunar features, details that offer valuable scientific insights. The Moon will appear approximately the size of a basketball when viewed from the Orion spacecraft.
