The surface of the moon is now as accessible as the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore — at least online.
NASA's first interactive map of the lunar north pole lets the public see the region up close, while also providing scientists with a new tool for research.
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The map is made up of more than 10,000 separate pictures taken using two cameras on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and encompasses nearly 900 billion pixels. It is the largest high-resolution composite of the region, and could take up the space of a regulation U.S. football field if printed out — while still retaining its clarity.

Image: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University

"This unique image is a tremendous resource for scientists and the public alike," John Keller, a NASA scientist who works with the LRO, said in a statement.
Users can zoom in and out, as they virtually explore an area that, in reality, is equal to more than a quarter of the United States. Thumbnails of pre-programmed coordinates bring you to specific points of interest, such as craters and impact sites.
Although the map is made up of many separate images, it is nearly uniform and upon first glance, appears to be one continuous shot. This homogeneity will allow scientists to conduct research from afar, or even locate acceptable landing spots for future on-site exploration.

Image: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University

The LRO has been working to map the surface of the moon, and gather information on the celestial object's environment and evolution since the equipment was launched in June 2009.
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