Lunar Images

Shortly after launch the NEAR MSI (Multispectral Imager) was powered up and approximately 40 images of the Moon were acquired for calibration purposes. At this time NEAR was approximately 1.5 million km from the Moon. The sub- spacecraft latitude and longitude on the Moon are 4° N and 293° W (near Mare Crisium). This means that the illuminated crescent is almost entirely filled by bright farside highlands units at longitudes from about 200 to 270° W longitude.

This composite was formed from images taken in blue (450 nm) and infrared wavelengths (750 nm, 1000 nm). The seven color filters of the MSI were specifically designed to discriminate and map the distribution of mafic silicate minerals (olivine and pyroxene) believed to occur on S-type asteroids such as 433 Eros, which is the ultimate destination of the NEAR spacecraft.

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