003 - The Near-Side of the Moon

About 50.000 Clem images were processed to produce the 4 orthographic views of the Moon. Images PIA00302, PIA00303, PIA00304 and PIA00305 show albedo variations (normalized brightness or reflectivity) of the surface at a wavelength of 750 nm (just longward of visible red). The Lunar Near-Side is a contrast between dark and light albedo surfaces that has been fancied as the "Man in the Moon". Lunar terrain types are still designated by their 17th century name and that is:

1. Maria (dark albedo features also known as basins) and
2. Terra (brighter albedo features also known as uplands or highlands).

The Maria constitutes about 16% while the Terra 84% of the Lunar Surface. The nearside is composed of about 30 percent maria. Extensive bright ray systems surround craters Copernicus (upper left center) and Tycho (near bottom).
Studies have shown that two major processes, impact and basaltic volcanism have shaped the major physical features of the Lunar Surface.