1405/08/16 - Saturday 26 جمادى الاولى 1448 - 2026/11/07
العربیة فارسی
Astronomical Research Center (A.R.C.)

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Friday, 17 July 2026
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

De Gerlache-Kocher Massif

Explanation: De Gerlache-Kocher massif looms on the visible horizon in this close-up of the edge of the Moon. The mountainous formation rises about 4 kilometers above its surroundings and is located very close to the lunar south pole. Boasting permanently shadowed crater floors that likely contain deposits of water ice and peaks that receive almost continuous sunlight for solar power generation, the south polar region is consider a prime location for the first human settlement on the Moon. In fact, De Gerlache-Kocher massif itself has been consider as a potential landing site for future crewed Artemis missions to the Moon. The remarkable telescopic image of the massif at the lunar limb was captured on October 31. Then, a favorable libration angle or lunar wobble enhanced this oblique view across the Moon's south pole.

Tomorrow's picture: meteoric

NASA Astronomy Pictures Archive (Past 30 Days)

Click any image to enlarge
Today Event
Lunar Events
... ...
Amateur
Pictorial Announcements