Laser Ranging Facility
This photograph shows the Laser Ranging Facility at Goddard's Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory helps NASA keep track of orbiting satellites. The lower of the two green beams is from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's dedicated tracker. The other laser, although appearing to originate from above, originates from another ground system at the facility. Both beams are pointed at the moon -- specifically at LRO in orbit of the moon -- in this photo.
The picture was taken on Aug. 1, 2009, when Goddard invited guests to celebrate LRO's successful arrival at the moon. Guests could gaze at stars and the moon through telescopes, talk with the LRO team and see new images from the satellite, among other activities. A number of hands-on activities for young children and their families provided knowledge and understanding of the phases of the moon, crater creation and the scale of the Earth/moon system.
The LRO mission, built and managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, launched on June 18, 2009.
Image Credit: NASA/Debbie McCallum
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center contributes to NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s endeavors by providing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
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Laser Ranging Facility
This photograph shows the Laser Ranging Facility at Goddard's Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory in Greenbelt, Md. The observatory helps NASA keep track of orbiting satellites. The lower of the two green beams is from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's dedicated tracker. The other laser, although appearing to originate from above, originates from another ground system at the facility. Both beams are pointed at the moon -- specifically at LRO in orbit of the moon -- in this photo.
The picture was taken on Aug. 1, 2009, when Goddard invited guests to celebrate LRO's successful arrival at the moon. Guests could gaze at stars and the moon through telescopes, talk with the LRO team and see new images from the satellite, among other activities. A number of hands-on activities for young children and their families provided knowledge and understanding of the phases of the moon, crater creation and the scale of the Earth/moon system.
The LRO mission, built and managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, launched on June 18, 2009.
Image Credit: NASA/Debbie McCallum
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center contributes to NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s endeavors by providing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission.
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Join us on Facebook