By Tim Binnall
The United States Geological Survey has produced an enlightening new lunar map that will likely serve as a guide for future manned missions to the moon. Dubbed the 'Unified Geologic Map of the Moon,' the project was reportedly created using data from a vast array of different lunar observations from both the past and present. Specifically, the USGS used insights from the Apollo missions coupled with modern-day lunar satellite information provided by both NASA and the Japanese space agency JAXA.
"This map is a culmination of a decades-long project," declared USGS geologist Corey Fortezzo, "it provides vital information for new scientific studies by connecting the exploration of specific sites on the moon with the rest of the lunar surface." A press release from the agency went on to say that "for the first time, the entire lunar surface has been completely mapped and uniformly classified by scientists from the USGS."
To that end, the colorful spots seen on the map depict different types of rocks, elevations, and other notable regions on the lunar surface. The USGS hopes that the project can ultimately be used by NASA to determine the ideal locations on the moon for both landing missions as well as a future lunar base. Beyond that, they also envision the map being "an invaluable for the international scientific community, educators and the public-at-large."