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Lot 416
[Apollo 16] BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE MOON AT SUNRISE: high-resolution metric camera views above Crater Ptolemeaus and craters Bonpland and Parry (2 photos) NASA, 16-27 April 1972
14 – 28 April 2025, 12:00 CEST
Paris, Avenue HocheSold for €281.60 inc. premium
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[Apollo 16] BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE MOON AT SUNRISE: high-resolution metric camera views above Crater Ptolemeaus and craters Bonpland and Parry (2 photos)
NASA, 16-27 April 1972
Printed 1972.
Two vintage gelatin silver prints on fibre-based paper [NASA images AS16-M-0990 and AS16-M-1685].
With NASA metric camera ID numbers written "0990" and "1685" on the reverses (issued by NASA).
Each: 23 x 23 cm. (9 x 9 in.)
Historical context
The beauty of the Moon at sunrise, captured with the incredible resolution of the Fairchild metric camera.
These rare and unreleased high-resolution photographs capture the lunar nearside at sunrise with exceptional clarity. With its 3-inch focal length, the metric camera, operated by Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly, provided an unparalleled perspective on the Moon's dramatic topography, crucial for geological mapping, while also revealing the breathtaking beauty of the lunar landscape.
Taken from an altitude of 112 km during orbit 28, the first photograph presents a stunning view over Crater Ptolemaeus. With the Sun positioned at a 9° elevation, long shadows accentuate the crater's intricate interior, revealing fine surface textures in remarkable detail (9.2° S / 2.5° W).
The second photograph, captured from 115 km during orbit 38, showcases the striking landscape of Craters Bonpland and Parry. The Sun, lower at 5° elevation, casts even longer shadows, dramatically enhancing the depth and complexity of the terrain. This high-resolution view (9.5° S / 15.8° W) reveals an intricate network of rilles, smaller craters, and rugged lunar features with stunning precision.
Printed 1972.
Two vintage gelatin silver prints on fibre-based paper [NASA images AS16-M-0990 and AS16-M-1685].
With NASA metric camera ID numbers written "0990" and "1685" on the reverses (issued by NASA).
Each: 23 x 23 cm. (9 x 9 in.)
Historical context
The beauty of the Moon at sunrise, captured with the incredible resolution of the Fairchild metric camera.
These rare and unreleased high-resolution photographs capture the lunar nearside at sunrise with exceptional clarity. With its 3-inch focal length, the metric camera, operated by Command Module Pilot Ken Mattingly, provided an unparalleled perspective on the Moon's dramatic topography, crucial for geological mapping, while also revealing the breathtaking beauty of the lunar landscape.
Taken from an altitude of 112 km during orbit 28, the first photograph presents a stunning view over Crater Ptolemaeus. With the Sun positioned at a 9° elevation, long shadows accentuate the crater's intricate interior, revealing fine surface textures in remarkable detail (9.2° S / 2.5° W).
The second photograph, captured from 115 km during orbit 38, showcases the striking landscape of Craters Bonpland and Parry. The Sun, lower at 5° elevation, casts even longer shadows, dramatically enhancing the depth and complexity of the terrain. This high-resolution view (9.5° S / 15.8° W) reveals an intricate network of rilles, smaller craters, and rugged lunar features with stunning precision.