That was then, this is now. 🌕 The Apollo program landed six pairs of astronauts on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. All six landing sites are at low latitudes, near the equator. In this visualization, the Apollo sites are contrasted with the South Pole, an area with enormous potential for future exploration. Time passes as we zoom toward Shackleton crater at the South Pole, revealing illumination conditions quite different from those near the equator. While many craters remain in permanent shadow, some nearby mountains and ridges are in persistent sunshine, making them attractive candidates for solar power and long-term habitation. Over fifty years have passed since we first landed humans on the Moon, and today we are preparing to launch #Artemis I, the first integrated flight test of the rocket and spacecraft that will return humanity to the Moon. NASA continues to target the late August launch period. Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio #Apollo #Moon #NASA #Space #Meg...