USGS Astrogeology Science Center Archives

TAG

“USGS Astrogeology Science Center”

News

Mars 2020 Mission to be Guided by USGS Astrogeology Maps

Oblique view looking toward the northwest shows the western rim and floor of Jezero crater on Mars. (Credit: USGS Astrogeology Science Center)

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (USGS PR) — When you’re planning to explore someplace new, it’s always a good idea to bring a map so you can avoid dangerous terrain. This is true whether you’re heading out for a hike on Earth or you’re landing a rover on Mars.

(more…)

News

USGS Releases First-Ever Comprehensive Geologic Map of the Moon

Orthographic projections of the “Unified Geologic Map of the Moon” showing the geology of the Moon’s near side (left) and far side (right) with shaded topography from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). This geologic map is a synthesis of six Apollo-era regional geologic maps, updated based on data from recent satellite missions. It will serve as a reference for lunar science and future human missions to the Moon. (Credit: NASA/GSFC/USGS)

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (USGS PR) – Have you ever wondered what kind of rocks make up those bright and dark splotches on the moon? Well, the USGS has just released a new authoritative map to help explain the 4.5-billion-year-old history of our nearest neighbor in space.

For the first time, the entire lunar surface has been completely mapped and uniformly classified by scientists from the USGS Astrogeology Science Center, in collaboration with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute.

(more…)