SMART-1 impact update


View of Moon horizon seen by SMART-1
 
This oblique view of the lunar surface was taken on 2 September 2006 by the AMIE camera on board SMART-1 during the last few orbits prior to Moon impact, and provides a good view of the Moon's horizon.

This view was captured during the imaging session which took place bewteen 15:19 and 17:34 CEST (17:19 - 19:34 UT).

SMART-1 view of lunar surface
 
This oblique view of the lunar surface was taken on 2 September 2006 by the AMIE camera on board SMART-1 during the last few orbits prior to Moon impact.

This view was captured during the imaging session which took place bewteen 15:19 and 17:34 CEST (17:19 - 19:34 UT).

SMART-1 impact flash imaged by CFHT telescope
 
This impressive sequence of SMART-1 impact images was captured by the 3.6-meter optical/infrared Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), Hawaii, 3 September 2006.

The CFHT observed the projected impact area between 07:00 - 08:44 CEST (05:00 06:44 UT). The impact flash lasted only about 1 millisecond. It may have been caused by the thermal emission from the impact itself or by the release of spacecraft volatiles, such as the small amount of hydrazine fuel remaining on board.

The separate images can be downloaded here:

Before impact | SMART-1 impact flash | After impact

Summary:
 
Lunar surface seen by SMART-1 close to impact
 
This oblique view of the lunar surface was taken on 2 September 2006 by the AMIE camera on board SMART-1 during the last few orbits prior to Moon impact.

The view was captured during the imaging session which took place bewteen 15:19 and 17:34 CEST (17:19 - 19:34 UT).

Heavily cratered region on the Moon
 
This beautiful image of the lunar surface was taken on 2 September 2006 by the AMIE camera on board SMART-1 during the last few orbits prior to Moon impact, and shows a heavily cratered region of the Moon.

This view was captured during the imaging session which took place bewteen 15:19 and 17:34 CEST (17:19 - 19:34 UT).

Impact 'spots' on the Moon
 
This oblique view of the lunar surface was taken on 2 September 2006 by the AMIE camera on board SMART-1 during the last few orbits prior to Moon impact, and shows small craters over the lunar surface.

This view was captured during the imaging session which took place bewteen 15:19 and 17:34 CEST (17:19 - 19:34 UT).

Double crater on the Moon
 
This beautiful oblique view was taken on 2 September 2006 by the AMIE camera on board SMART-1 during the last few orbits prior to Moon impact, and shows a double crater.

This view was captured during the imaging session which took place bewteen 15:19 and 17:34 CEST (17:19 - 19:34 UT).

Moon horizon a few hours before SMART-1 impact
 
This oblique view of the lunar surface was taken on 2 September 2006 by the AMIE camera on board SMART-1 during the last few orbits prior to Moon impact, and shows the Moon's horizon.

This view was captured during the imaging session which took place bewteen 15:19 and 17:34 CEST (17:19 - 19:34 UT).



Release date: 27 September 2007