Autumn Moon update(and then I'm goingto gaze at the real thing).

If you recall a post about the deduction of when, exactly, Ansel Adams photographed "Autumn Moon, the High Sierra from Glacier Point," then this is a quick follow-up.


Autumn Moon from Glacier Point, Sept. 15, 1948

It was mentioned that the Moon would be in a similar position and phase on the same day (Sept. 15) that Adams is said to have opened his shutter. Here, now, is a flat, polychromatic companion.


Autumn Moon from Glacier Point, Sept. 15, 2005

That is all. Except for pointing out the appearance of particulate haze. Pollution, that is.


Oh. NASA is preparing to announce a plan to put astronauts back on the Moon by 2018.

Also: India plans to send an orbiter to the Moon in 2007, in order to create 3D maps and scan for water ice. (Caution: it's in the Washington Times)

Which reminds me: what's up with SMART-1, ESA's ion-propelled orbiter that arrived at the Moon in November?


And another thing -- can you tell it's a Full Moon night? -- I saw a preview for this flick "Magnificent Desolation" last night. It's an IMAX feature in 3D. Anyhow, I had to ask, "Won't this just play right into the hands (or the minds) of the lunar-landing naysayers?"

Finally: Tomorrow, Sept. 18, is the Mid-Autumn/Moon Festival in Asia. A lovely Leo I know told me that she'll be joining some Japanese acquaintances for a party where the Moon is the guest. Food is offered for a lunar blessing, and then the participants partake. So perhaps I'll find an East Asian bakery tomorrow and buy me a moon cake.