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Artemis II Crew to Witness Moon's 'Bullseye' Crater
5 Apr
Summary
- Artemis II astronauts will see the 200-mile-wide Mare Orientale crater.
- The crater formed 3.7 billion years ago from a massive asteroid impact.
- This mission offers a unique sunlit view of the mysterious lunar feature.
The upcoming Artemis II mission will mark a significant milestone as its four-person crew becomes the first humans to witness the Moon's Mare Orientale. This colossal 200-mile-wide crater, a result of an asteroid impact 3.7 billion years ago, will be visible in sunlight. Previous Apollo missions offered only distant, dimly lit views of this feature due to tidal locking.
The Artemis II crew will experience a unique perspective, with the Sun directly overhead, allowing for unparalleled observation. This mission is not only a personal journey but also crucial for scientific discovery, offering insights into planetary formation and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The Moon's surface, pockmarked by ancient impacts, serves as a vital record of the solar system's history.
