CLEMENTINE

LIMB GLOW SHOTS

Solar Corona

by

David O. Darling 

The following four photographs were taken by Clementine Star Tracker camera. The spacecraft was located on the shadowed side of the lunar disk and was able to take some amazing shots of the Solar Corona. None of these photographs give any indication limb glow due to dust illumination. The overpowering brightness of the Solar Corona flood the picture obliterating any faint illuminations that may be visible.

This pre sunrise Startracker image shows the solar corona, stars in the background, and the terminator between the dark side of the Moon and the area on the right, which is illuminated by light reflected from the Earth.

Startracker image showing earthshine portion of Moon with planet Venus at top of picture. The solar corona and solar spike is very evident in this shot.

The color-enhanced image of Venus, the solar corona, and the Moon was acquired by the Startracker. The terminator between the dark side of the Moon and the Earth-lit side can be seen also.