Long-exposure photo from lunar orbit.<br>This photo was used in Figure 25-104 of the <i>Apollo 15 Preliminary Science Report</i> (SP-289, 1971), which has the following caption:<br><dl><dd>The solar corona photographed approximately 1 min after sunset on July 31 (1971).<br></dd></dl><p>The text of the <i>Report</i> also says:<br></p>
<dl><dd>The final frame of the sunset sequence is shown in figure 25-104. The exposure has been estimated from the star streaking at approximately 9.2 sec. The brightest object at the end of the streak is Venus at approximately 3° from the lunar limb and 8° from Sun center. The bright star at the center of the frame is Pollux, and the other bright star near the edge of the frame is Castor. Quick-look analysis of this frame indicate a coronal streamer peaking out just below Venus are approximately 32 radii from Sun center, and the rest of the light continuing to the area of Pollux is K-corona or zodiacal light, depending on the desired frame of reference. The lunar surface is well illuminated by earthshine in this frame.<br><i>Uploader comment</i>: I think the small mountain on the left horizon is Mons La Hire, the bright patch at right is Euler crater, and the bright spots in the right foreground is Mons Vinogradov.</dd></dl>
NASA
1971-07-31
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://tothemoon.ser.asu.edu/gallery/Apollo/15/Hasselblad%20500EL%2070%20mm">Magazine 98</a>, Apollo 15, March to the Moon