But Hubble, orbiting above Earth's atmosphere, can see in ultraviolet light> The telescope mapped variations in reflections of ultraviolet light off the lunar surface to search for specific mineral fingerprints.Ī preliminary assessment of the Hubble observations pinpoints possible locations of ilmenite, a titanium oxide rich in oxygen, at the Apollo 17 landing region. Since ultraviolet light is blocked by gases in the Earth's atmosphere, ground-based telescopes can't use it to observe the lunar surface. Scientists enlisted Hubble's help because they needed to use ultraviolet light to help find signatures of lunar materials enriched in oxygen. Hubble's snapshots of the moon, however, represent the first time that scientists have used the telescope to support human space exploration. The Hubble telescope is known for its views of faraway galaxies, distant planets, dying stars, and black holes. Bush in January 2004, calls for the establishment of human outposts on the moon and later, human exploration of Mars.

A new Vison for Space Exploration, announced by President George W.

astronauts have visited the moon before, they only spent a few days there, making short forays into the barren landscape. + Tour the Apollo 17 landing site (4.6 Mb QuickTime)Īlthough U.S. The red X in the top Hubble image pinpoints the Apollo 17 touch-down position. Humans last walked and drove on the lunar surface here in December 1972 (bottom image). The top image showcases Hubble Space Telescope's first high-resolution ultraviolet and visible imaging of the Apollo 17 site in the moon's Taurus-Littrow Valley. Hubble's preliminary observations and results are promising.

To prepare, NASA scientists are using the Hubble Space Telescope to hunt for resources, such as oxygen, that are essential for people to survive and to sustain their existence on the lunar surface. is planning another pioneering journey, this time to the moon and beyond.

As they started their new lives in new places, these men and women had to learn to live off of the land. Hubble Prospects For Resources on The MoonĪmerica has always been a land of pioneers, from the first settlers to those who moved west in the 1800s. + NASA Home > Exploring the Universe > Our Solar System The site requires that JavaScripts be enabled in your browser.

Lunar landing site through telescope