Artemios II and Pierazzo: A Far-Side Marvel of Impact Physics

Located deep on the lunar far side, within the northern reaches of the massive Orientale Basin’s ejecta blanket, lies the crater Pierazzo. Though modest in size at about 9 kilometers in diameter, Pierazzo is a titan of scientific interest. It is one of the most remarkably "luminous" small craters on the Moon, possessing a ray system that is disproportionately large and bright for its size. What makes Pierazzo exceptional is the evidence of impact melt. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured stunning views of frozen rivers of rock that flowed down the crater's walls and pooled on its floor immediately following the impact.  This is a reason why the astronauts of Integrity/Artemis II are going to observe it! 

Full article over at Eadsy Astronomy LINK.  

The Rayed Splendor of Glushko Crater and Artemis II

 

Glushko is a young, prominent impact crater located on the western limb of the Moon, at the transition between the near and far sides. Spanning approximately 43 kilometers in diameter, this feature stands out as a beacon of geological youth due to its extraordinarily bright and extensive ray system.

Full article over at Eadsy Astronomy LINK

Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) Obliterated at Perihelion

 

Well, yesterday Comet C/2026 A1 (MAPS) reached perihelion with the Sun. It came within 160,000 km from the Sun and unfortunetly, it did not survive it's close encounter with the Sun. Above are two images taken from SOHO, a wider view on top and a closer view on the bottom. In both cases you can see the comet come in from the bottom left and then emerge as a debris cloud in the upper right.

For the full article which includes links to the two SOHO videos showing the comets destruction and for a finderchart for Comet C/2025 R3 Panstarrs head over to Eadsy Astronomy at this LINK. 

Artemis II Day 4 Recap Video Partial

 

Yesterday, I shared a post on why the astronauts on Integrity (Artemis II) are going to study the Orientale Basin during their flyby. In the image above in the upper right you can see the Orientale Basin.  AWESOME! 

I also captured just part of their lunar observations and shared that. However, I am also including in this video a  recap video from NASA below that shows highlights from Day 4. A key one is the comment from astronaut Victor Glover including in the video. 

If you are into Lunar Observing as I am, watch the video from the 8:50 mark to the 11:33 mark as the crew describes what they are seeing in the 400mm lens as they look to the moon! It is amazing!!!! My favorite quote is "It is three dimensional, just incredible!"  That shows what I missed in yesterday's video! 

For actual images of the Moon that Integrity/Artemis II have taken head over to Eadsy Astronomy at this LINK.