AMIE obtained the image sequence on 19 August 2006 from the relatively high distance of 1200 kilometres from the surface (far from the SMART-1 perilune, or point of closer approach), with a ground resolution of about 120 metres per pixel. The imaged area, located at mid-southern latitudes on the lunar near-side, belongs to the so-called 'Lake of Excellence'.

To take these images, SMART-1 had to be tilted by 20 degrees in order to obtain a large ground coverage and an image mosaic of several views, each covering an area about 60 kilometres per side.

SMART-1's impact is now expected on 3 September 2006 at 07:42 CEST (05:42 UT), at 46.2º West longitude and 34.2º South latitude, but it could take place one orbit earlier, at 02:38 CEST (00:38 UT), if an unknown peak is in SMART-1's way.

Credits: ESA/Space-X (Space Exploration Institute)

Remarkably, at the time the image was taken the star tracker was still producing valid attitude samples based on the few stars that are visible in the image. This image was taken as a test, meaning that the spacecraft pointing was not optimised for star tracker imaging. The Moon features on the photo still have to be identified.

Credits: ESA