India's Chandrayaan-3 Moon Lander Kicks Up 'Halo' of Dust Visible From Space.
India's Chandrayaan-3 moon lander kicked up a massive "halo" of dust when it landed on the lunar surface on August 10, 2023, according to images captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The dust cloud is estimated to be about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) in diameter and is visible from space.
The dust halo is created by the lander's rocket exhaust as it descends to the surface. The exhaust gases blast away loose material on the lunar surface, creating a cloud of dust that can be seen for miles. The dust cloud is also illuminated by the sun, which makes it even more visible.
The LRO is a NASA spacecraft that has been orbiting the moon since 2009. It is equipped with a variety of instruments that can be used to study the lunar surface and atmosphere. The LRO's images of the Chandrayaan-3 dust halo are the first of their kind and provide valuable insights into the process of lunar landings.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is India's third attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon. The previous two missions, Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, were both unsuccessful. However, Chandrayaan-3 is expected to be more successful, as it has been equipped with a number of new features, including a more powerful engine and a more advanced landing system.
The successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 moon lander is a major achievement for India's space program. It is also a significant milestone for lunar exploration, as it is the first time that a spacecraft from Asia has landed on the moon.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission will carry out a variety of scientific experiments, including studying the lunar surface and atmosphere, and searching for evidence of water ice. The mission is also expected to pave the way for future Indian missions to the moon, including a possible human mission in the next decade.