The lunar surface, although it looks gray and monochromatic, contains hidden colors in the ground, caused by different minerals. These colors are too faint to be seen with the naked eye, but digital images allow astrophotographers to enhance the colors and reveal another view of the Moon. This image is the reverse view of these colors, a unique perspective on our Moon. It was acquired by Noah Kujawski (Lakeville, Minnesota, USA).
At the top left of the lunar mineral map is a composite of images of the lunar south pole created on two different dates (giving different views of the region). It is one of the most detailed maps produced by amateurs of this part of the Moon, which is very difficult to observe from Earth. This image was produced by Tom Glenn (San Diego, CA, USA).
The lower left image shows the craters and mountains of the lunar South Pole, including Bailly Crater (with its discernible basin) on the right. Beneath Bailly are the Bettinus, Kircher and Wilson craters. The image was acquired by Andrea Vanoni (Porto Mantovano, Lombardy, Italy).
Auroras, comets, galaxies…: breathtaking images selected for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year grand prize
