In a remarkable development, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shared a mesmerizing 3-dimensional ‘anaglyph’ image of the Moon’s surface, captured from the vantage point of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander located at the Moon’s south pole.
This striking image is a fusion of two distinct perspectives, with the left image integrated into the red channel and the right image embedded within the blue and green channels, resulting in a captivating cyan hue. The creation of this anaglyph relies on NavCam Stereo Images, encompassing both left and right images collected onboard the Pragyan Rover.
An anaglyph is a straightforward visualization technique employed to represent objects or terrain in three dimensions, leveraging stereo or multi-view images. In this instance, the left image is positioned in the red channel, while the right image resides in the blue and green channels, thus producing the cyan effect. The variance in perspective between these two images generates a stereoscopic illusion, offering viewers a compelling sense of three-dimensional depth. For optimal viewing, red and cyan glasses are recommended.
ISRO acknowledged the contributions of LEOS/ISRO in the development of NavCam and credited SAC/ISRO for data processing.
The release of these striking lunar images coincides with ISRO’s recent announcement that the ‘Vikram Lander’ transitioned into sleep mode on Monday, around 8 am Indian Standard Time. ISRO disclosed that the data gathered by the payloads has been transmitted to Earth, and the payloads are now deactivated. It is anticipated that both the Vikram Lander and Pragyaan will be reactivated around September 22.
This unveiling comes following India’s historic achievement on August 23, when the Chandrayaan-3 lander module executed a successful landing on the Moon’s South Pole. India’s triumphant endeavor marked the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, erasing the disappointment associated with the Chandrayaan-2’s crash landing four years ago. In achieving this feat, India joined the exclusive ranks of the United States, China, and Russia, becoming the fourth nation to successfully touch down on the lunar surface.
These mesmerizing images from Chandrayaan-3 offer an extraordinary glimpse into the Moon’s enigmatic terrain, captivating space enthusiasts and scientists alike with their unique perspective on Earth’s celestial neighbor.
Sources By Agencies